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When Our Causes Get the Best of Us
Orginally published on Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 5:15 AM
by Todd Rhoades
All of us have causes. I have my causes just like you have yours. But when our causes start to detract from the main thing; or when our causes start to make us (and other Christians) look foolish, I hope that someone will stand up and just say, "You know, you're cause is grand and all; but stop making everyone look dumb."
Such is the case with some Americans and their support of Israel. Here’s a smear piece done on a group headed by Pastor John Hagee. Watch the video, and see if you just don’t cringe…
I’m all for supporting Israel. But when Christians start talking about things like this to outsiders, we, more often than not, come across as either judgemental, or better yet… stupid.
I’ve seen this with all kinds of ‘christian’ causes. Everything from abortion; to education; to creationism; to prophecy.
How do we, as Christians, have causes (even things that God really burdens us with) and at the same time keep the main thing (Jesus) the main thing? And what is the line where we actually do our main cause (Jesus) a dis-service by giving voice to our cause?
Just wondering (and looking for answers?)
Can anyone help?
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There are 6 Comments:
Hi... I'm Todd Rhoades. I'm a Christ-follower, husband, father and I love to connect leaders with other leaders. Hopefully you'll find something here at MMI you like and will return often. If you want, you can find out more about me or follow my every step on Twitter.
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Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 9:58 AM
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Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 12:10 PM
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Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 3:09 PM
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Posted by Charlie
Wednesday, August 01, 2007 at 12:26 AM
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Wednesday, August 01, 2007 at 8:05 PM
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Posted by Camey
Sunday, August 05, 2007 at 2:29 PM
Post Your Comments:Satan will not tempt Christians with idols made of wood and stone. These would not interest us. The idolatry that tempts us often comes in the form of “Christian” issues and cause. For American Christians, it often looks like religious nationalism. We deny it’s idolatry because we’ve put our Jesus overlay on our idol.
For me, whenever I find my thoughts consumed, when I wake up with my mind spinning, when too many conversations or e-mails are about something that I don’t find paralleled in Jesus’ life . . . then I tend to feel conviction that I must move on.
Sometimes we fool ourselves (at least I do), into thinking that every passion is placed into our hearts by God. We’re fallen people, and as such, our hearts are susceptible to influence other than the Holy Spirit.
Yes, I did cringe while watching the video. IMO, it was filled with clips of Christians boldly worshiping the denomic idol of nationalism and triumphalism . . . in the name of Jesus no less.
Wendi
Yes, sometimes we have to be careful about causes, but on the other hand, some are called to get out of control on certain causes, too. For example…
I for one hope that Bono never stops trumpeting the need to eliminate stupid poverty in the world. But that of course is a main thrust of scripture.
In a sense, Billy Graham did the same thing with evangelism. He was a bit of a one-trick pony that way.
I’m sorry I have to go now and find some way to clean my brain after watching that. After watching the interview Randy Frazee had with Hemit Mehta on the Willow Creek site it is a miracle that there aren’t more atheists out there with folks like this filling the airwaves and bending the ears of the politically connected.
May Jesus continue his work inspite of what people say in his name.
I agree. I think those who lead the cause should also consider that some people are not only doing it for the cause but are doing their best to support each other.
True. That’s what happens if leaders of those cause don’t take the responsibility of a true leader. It’s shows a lack of skill which will only leave doubt and hesitation to other people.
Was reminded of this post today..... I had a woman tell me that she was no longer participating with a certain ministry because I am no longer involved with it.
I had been allowing this particular ministry to literally control certain aspects of my life. When my dad went into the hospital at the end of August last year… it smacked me big time. I’m so thankful it did..... I immediately resigned..
The woman said to me, “Well, since you no longer saw fit to be a part of it, then neither did I.” That smacked me also. It is without a doubt a fantastic ministry. I only left there because I no longer needed to be there… not because Jesus wasn’t involved in it...... ouch.
Always a student....
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