A Distorted View

Many Christians today have a distorted view of the Christian life. They believe that they must be kind and patient at all times and with all types of people. Even to the point of compromising beliefs they know to be true in order to avoid hurting the feelings of another. While I believe we are called to be kind and patient whenever we can, following our Lord's example as much as possible, I do not believe this behavior should be followed at all cost. Let me explain a bit more.

Jesus was the complete example of kindness and patience, but not at the expense of spiritual truth. The gospels are full of examples where he challenged others with the truth. As Christians can we do less? While kindness and patience are important virtues, so are commitment, passion, and tough-mindedness. I believe all of these parts build a more complete follower of Christ.

Today, the church, Christianity, and Christ himself are under attack by those who scream foul every time they are challenged. These people often equate honest discussion with getting their own way. They see a disagreement as a personal attack and then revert to name calling to reframe the discussion. All of a sudden we are unkind, impatient, self-centered, or unchristian, just because we have the audacity to ask a question or disagree with a conclusion that has been drawn.

As Christians we need to be kind and patient with people but we also need to know when to take a stand. A little toughness and passion mixed with kindness and patients goes a long way. To be tough, to be committed, does not mean we are in conflict with the teachings of our Lord, but that we hold his teachings to be true and eternal. In order for toughness to accomplish its task it must be paired with a sense of proper timing and always grounded in truth.

Here , so often, I think of these words from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "The good is for us always only that which has been wrested from evil."

RefRev