this is the slam

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples. . ."
John 13:35

Jesus could have ended this phrase with so many things: nice church buildings, political savvy, theological insight, biblical wisdom and understanding, powerful preaching, great Christian gatherings, etc. . . Yet he chose to be consistent with his own worldview and said that it was our love for one another. Notice also that he did not say that the world would recognize us as Christians when or if we have love for another but by the love that we already display for each other. It is almost a sign of what kind of disciples we are showing ourselves to be through the love that is exhibited from one disciple to another. And perhaps Jesus is also referring to the Jewish notion of a disciple being a direct reflection on their leader - the type of love that you show for each other will demonstrate to the world what type of love I have come to show.

Having said that, why do we find it so difficult to refrain from slamming each other and going for the jugular whenever we disagree or are "embarassed" by other church members? In our latest controversy I have found myself running to the aid of a stupid statement just because it is so nauseating to hear more and more Christians aim and fire on one of their own. Again. In fact, it seems that the ecclesiastical community has surpassed even the mainstream media in its amount of biting and malicious rhetoric of the current Christians-in-culture flavor of the month.

As a brief side note: I find it interesting that many are calling on this particular individual to be denounced by other well-known evangelicals who were (and will soon be again) just being denounced for their interaction in the political realm.

It is becoming apparent that the Christian community can be easily manipulated to inward division and fighting. Those who oppose our worldview and message have figured this out. Too bad most of us have not. And our lack of love has not only reflected poorly upon our leader, but has become so non-existent that it is now a tactical tool to be used against us rather than a demonstration of the gospel. Let the church aspire to be weak, and the world will stand in awe.

I have also paroused some interesting sites regarding this situation and have found certain sources attacking this comment and apology from very unique perspectives. I cannot help but be troubled that many of these sources find little to no time to speak out against the raging heresies that do exist in the church, via the many television personalities who preach a gospel contrary to that of Christ. These individuals will never make a political statement, for they are too intelligent for that - they know that they will find themselves in the midst of a controversy such as this, they will realize they might actually make a lasting difference, and they see the lost income earning potential. And yet so many find ways to defend these individuals for, "At least they are doing some good for some people. We need to re-evaluate where we fight our battles.

On a personal note, I do not endorse the message but stand by the messenger as one of my family. Although the words were found to be irrational and unthoughtful, the messenger remains a child of the king. And I cannot endorse the dysfunction of this family through such vile rhetoric about one of my brothers.

Fortunately for all of us, the world will not recognize Jesus' disciples by our blogs. . .