The Tightrope Christians Must Walk When Dealing With Non-Believers And Evildoers
Posted: Friday, July 01, 2011
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
When individuals learn of Jesus Christ, his purpose and sacrifice for us, and recognize that he is the Son of God and then obeys his commandments, they are added to his church, ie., the called out. There are various descriptive terms which identify them. They are sanctified which means they are “set-apart” from those who are not in the body of Christ and and they are called “… a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people” (1 Peter 2:9)
The dilemma for Christians is just how they are to conduct themselves in the company of those people of the world. It is not as simple as you might think and may, at times, cause offense. But we need to study and consider such things and what the bible has to say concerning them. There are numerous people who are hypocritical “Christians” and must fall in the same category as those who are non-Christians. The biggest problem facing true Christians however is that of determining just who is and who isn‘t.
People are quick to say that you are not to judge others. But, some of the things which shields them, are not judgmental. If you see someone whom you know that is committing open sins, you are not judging them. If you see some who do not worship God, or who’s worship is not in keeping with the word of God, you can know that he is not in the fold of God, simply because the bible teaches that.
Some say well, just be nice and friendly with everyone and do good to everyone, and you’ll be alright. Let’s examine what the scriptures say about that. Here is a lesson from John, the cousin of Jesus and an apostle speaking by inspiration:
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (II John 1:10-11 KJV)
Now this is simply speaking of someone who is distorting or replacing portions of the doctrine of Christ! Something to think about. Here are more cautions and warnings. Read the next one paying attention to the last part.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1:28-32 KJV)
The following are slightly difficult to comprehend, but when you consider them, the message comes through:
When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers. (Psalm 50:18 KJV) The New American Standard clarifies this a bit when you add the preceding verses.
But to the wicked God says, "What right have you to tell of My statutes And to take My covenant in your mouth? "For you hate discipline, And you cast My words behind you. "When you see a thief, you are pleased with him, And you associate with adulterers. (Psalm 50:16-18 NAS)
I’m not trying to tell one how he is to act around those who make no effort to follow the teachings of the Holy Bible. But I am asking that you consider the things said in it and understand that a Christian who is trying to follow in the steps of Jesus Christ, will not become too involved with those who do not. Unless one is strong in the faith, often a wayward friend winds up influencing you more than you are able to influence him.
We can never go wrong in attempting to behave ourselves as did the apostles and early Christians. Their waking hours were spent in associating with each other and trying to teach others to do the same.
This is why regular attendance at all church services are very important. Christians sustain each other. Their association together, praying together and singing songs and hymns are edifying to each other. If you resent them, then something is amiss. How much more secure one is when surrounding by those of like faith.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Hi Joel! Good stuff. It's true, we must be careful to follow our Lord while being salt and light to those outside of the faith. We need to be aware of our weaknesses and flee from the things that will bring us down. It's the attitude of our hearts that make the difference of how we come off to non-believers. Funny, I just revised my article on a subject similar to this, and posted it a few minutes ago. Blessings to you and yours! TeresaThanks Teresa, I appreciate your reading and comment very much.
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