Selwyn talks about the need to confront those who profess to follow God’s ways but their actions don’t match what God requires. In Chapter 5, we read that Nehemiah courageously confronts those in the wrong (Nehemiah 5:9): “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God …Â ?”
I think Selwyn conclusion could have been a little clearer. He writes: ” … we need courage also to confront those with whom we strongly disagree. Many of us, whenever we know we are right about an issue (at least in our own eyes), are content to settle for being right. Only under extreme provocation do we discuss the cause of our anger or concern with the offending party.” I feel that he should have added that these issues are only to do with those cases where Christians are obviously going against what Jesus has commanded us to do; and would normally be centred on the two great commandments; to love God and to love our neighbour.
Many people misunderstand Matthew 7:1-5, which starts with Jesus saying “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. … ” These words have more to do with judging others in a condemning way, which often leads to a sense of spiritual superiority because of pride – this type of judgment is wrong. However, there are many verses which DO SAY that we should judge which actions are right and what actions are wrong. In the same chapter of Matthew (7:15-20), we have Jesus advising us to; “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognise them. … ” Clearly, Jesus is talking about judging the fruitfulness of those amongst us, who call themselves prophets, to discern if they are false prophets. It’s implied that if we should do something to protect our community from ferocious wolves – it would be wrong to do nothing. Do you agree?
Therefore, I like the prayer for today (with a minor point of clarification): “My Father and my God, help me not to be complacent about issues that need to be confronted. And strengthen my resolve to deal with things that need dealing with, not merely because I am provoked (as I know these things break your laws and your heart), but because it is the right to do so. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Doing what is right
Selwyn talks about the need to confront those who profess to follow God’s ways but their actions don’t match what God requires. In Chapter 5, we read that Nehemiah courageously confronts those in the wrong (Nehemiah 5:9): “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God …Â ?”
I think Selwyn conclusion could have been a little clearer. He writes: ” … we need courage also to confront those with whom we strongly disagree. Many of us, whenever we know we are right about an issue (at least in our own eyes), are content to settle for being right. Only under extreme provocation do we discuss the cause of our anger or concern with the offending party.” I feel that he should have added that these issues are only to do with those cases where Christians are obviously going against what Jesus has commanded us to do; and would normally be centred on the two great commandments; to love God and to love our neighbour.
Many people misunderstand Matthew 7:1-5, which starts with Jesus saying “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. … ” These words have more to do with judging others in a condemning way, which often leads to a sense of spiritual superiority because of pride – this type of judgment is wrong. However, there are many verses which DO SAY that we should judge which actions are right and what actions are wrong. In the same chapter of Matthew (7:15-20), we have Jesus advising us to; “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognise them. … ” Clearly, Jesus is talking about judging the fruitfulness of those amongst us, who call themselves prophets, to discern if they are false prophets. It’s implied that if we should do something to protect our community from ferocious wolves – it would be wrong to do nothing. Do you agree?
Therefore, I like the prayer for today (with a minor point of clarification): “My Father and my God, help me not to be complacent about issues that need to be confronted. And strengthen my resolve to deal with things that need dealing with, not merely because I am provoked (as I know these things break your laws and your heart), but because it is the right to do so. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”