Facing the Real Enemy

Do you realize the freedom to worship (or not worship) that we enjoy in our country is a relatively rare and, most often, short-lived occurrence in the annals of time? In the history of the world, very few countries have experienced the lasting freedoms we Americans have been afforded. In fact, history is replete with religious oppression, so-called holy crusades, and persecution. Even in our world today, millions of people are not allowed to worship the god of their choice. They are forced to submit to whatever religious (or irreligious) group is in power, which is one more reason why we Americans ought to be thankful for the First Amendment and those brave souls who have fought to protect our freedoms. 

Every single person reading this article owes a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who have fought and sacrificed for these United States so we can live, believe, and worship as we choose.

If, however, as suggested last week, there is a downside to this liberty, it is this: when religious freedoms are enjoyed too long, not only are they taken for granted, but it seems the benefactors do not employ that freedom well. Much could be said at this point, but I would like to hone in on one area. In particular, I address the Christian community, asking those of like faith to give some significant thought to how we treat our fellow believers with whom we share doctrinal differences. 

I concede what I am about to say is just one man’s opinion, but it seems to me American Evangelicals have been at peace so long they have forgotten who their real enemy is. Perhaps that is an oversimplification of a complex issue, or maybe an overstatement, but my experience (and perception) is the average church-goer’s idea of spiritual warfare is trying to demolish the denomination down the street instead of tearing down Satan’s strongholds. I am often shocked and embarrassed at how some believers treat one another. 

Someone could argue I ought not to air Christendom’s dirty laundry like this, but the truth is – our dirty laundry is already flapping in the virtual breeze for all the world to see. All anyone needs to verify that claim is to look at social media. I don’t know of any medium on the planet that can be equaled in its ability to either progress or suppress the kingdom of Christ as the internet. Like never before, our means of instant communication can bring unity, disunity, peace, and turmoil to the people of God. Recently, I have unfriended and unfollowed numerous folks simply because I grow weary of watching believers attack other believers who don’t see every detail of doctrine exactly the same. 

Please don’t misunderstand me. Public posts warrant a public response. But before the social media soldiers deploy in combat formation and brand me a compromising heretic, let me make clear – theology matters. What we believe, preach, and proclaim matters. What the Bible truly teaches matters. Anyone who says otherwise is, at best, an immature Christian, if not unsaved. Christians have been called upon to “earnestly contend for the faith (Jude 3).” And we must. 

Further still, ecclesiastical lines must be drawn. There are men I love and respect, but because of my Baptist convictions (which I believe to be rooted in Scripture), there are some folks I delight to fellowship with privately but cannot invite to the pulpit. But understand, whether you are Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Pentecostal or otherwise, if you believe and proclaim justification by faith alone in Christ, you are my fellow and not my foe.

It seems high time someone reminds Christians we should all be on the same team. Hence, if you are a born-again believer, you are family. You are my brother and sister in Christ and not my enemy. And when and where we differ on doctrine, we should try to disagree agreeably. 

When I scroll social media, I sometimes wonder if followers of Christ still believe “a soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1)? And that Christians still think Colossians 4:6 applies, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Also, aren’t believers commanded in Ephesians 4:32 to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted …”?

In John 13:35, Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” With more sarcasm than written words can convey, looking at Facebook comments, one would think Jesus had said, “By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, when you bite and devour one another!” But let’s be honest, folks; Facebook, Twitter, and other apps are not the problem. Rather, it is the craven keyboard commandos who, hiding behind a computer screen, will respond with smugness, cruelty, and callousness they’d never manifest in person. Admittedly, I have often found myself guilty of this, and I was wrong. 

It is a sad day indeed when someone acts like a jerk on social media, then gets blocked by their peers, and then has the audacity to claim they’re being persecuted for righteousness’ sake. That would be laughable if it weren’t true. One of the problems with Christians in America is that we really don’t know what persecution is unless we read about it. As odd as this may sound, if our nation continues toward complete moral degradation, we Christians may just find out what persecution is and why Jesus said it was a blessing. Ask any missionary serving in Muslim areas or the jungles of faraway lands, and they quickly tell you who our adversary is, and it’s not the guy down the street rightly preaching Jesus. 

At the risk of sounding crass, some Christians need to put down their phone, get off the couch, pick up their sword (Bible) … get on the battlefield and face the real enemy. If they would, they’d have far less time (and inclination) to attack their fellow believers who don’t line up with them on every minute detail of doctrine and show some grace. 

While I am thankful for religious liberty, I think it can be argued we’ve misused it when Christians can’t tell the difference between friend and foe.

HHJ News