Okay, be honest now. Who came to mind first when you read that title?
This is not a political post.
This is not an “us” vs. “them” post.
This is a post calling for those of us who call ourselves followers of Christ to make a choice.
Will we choose to live up to the name we claim or not? Will we choose to follow Christ in deed, or in word only?
I struggled with the title of this post, wavering between “Crucify Them!!” and “Profanity”.
Why might I have chosen “Profanity?” Because many of my brothers and sisters are profaning the Name of Christ by their conduct.
Now I’m sure you’re one of the ones who is faithful and true, but just for the sake of honesty, let’s take a little inventory straight from the book of Galatians:
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 NLT
Has anything in this world lessened your desire for the things of God? Have you given more thought and energy toward the things of this world than to the Kingdom of God? Where, exactly, does God fit into your life schematic?
Have you expressed hostility towards others because of their opinions, viewpoints, or political stances?
Have you given in to debating, arguing, or downright fighting over “disputable matters?”
Has your temper gotten the best of you?
Dissension and division are related: dissension leads to division. We disagree so strongly about something that we can no longer tolerate someone on the other side of the issue. Have you cut off relationships because you just can’t agree?
All of these issues are products of our sinful nature. But Paul says,
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
Galatians 5:24-26
Are the passions and desires of our sinful nature crushed, or are they alive and well?
Perhaps it’s time for another crucifixion.
The fallout of choosing to “follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives” will be drastic:
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Galatians 5:22-23
I pray that the Body of Christ would rise up to be the Church He has called her to be, and that as one she would follow Paul’s encouragement to the Ephesians:
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Ephesians 4:21-24
How will you respond today to Paul’s charge?
Featured image by hangjia xu on Unsplash
Lauri Hawley 