Will The Real Christians Please Stand Up And Remain Standing?
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Deceivers Abound
I cannot even believe I’m back to this topic. So many deceived and deceivers abound, calling themselves Christian, but where is the evidence? I watched the attitude of some of our “Christian Leaders” when they approached Obama during his presidential run, and since. The haughtiness was evident. The fact that Obama wasn’t interested in hearing from them; caused them to turn away in anger, as if spurned by a potential mate.
I don’t recall the leaders of the disciples acting that way. I recall that they prayed for them, and not with judgmentalism either; but with genuine concern and hope. Only someone with an agenda would be angry. So the anger I see with the extreme right, perturbs me.
I hear many making claims that Obama is trying to issue in socialism. I’ve heard that word so many times now, that I decided to look it up. In fact, I looked up several related words, because I think that some clarity is well in order.
Since the political pundits and self-righteous right wingers have claimed Obama is moving us towards socialism, I looked that word up on dictionary.com.
“Socialism - A theory or system of social reform which contemplates a complete reconstruction of society, with a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor.”
First of all, the difference between what Obama advocates and socialism lies in the fact that Obama is not trying to take anyone’s property, nor deny anyone the right to make as much money as they want. The only thing he’s doing is leveling the field in the amount of taxes everyone pays. He’s making the tax system equitable in that everyone will be taxed based on the actual amount they earn.
He’s also leveling the field of competition with more educational opportunities. He’s actually enacting regulation to help people keep their homes and property. He is against the government running wall street and the banks etc; but wants to put regulatory tools in place to prevent the greed and lack of oversight that put us in such a disastrous position in the first place. How does this represent socialism? He’s for capitalism because he wants more education so that we can compete in the world again with the new and expanding technologies. This man is not a socialist.
So that draws us to why he’s being called that. Years ago, the pundits in the right wing managed to manipulate everyone by calling certain groups communists. By this, they were able to discriminately attack these groups and strip them of all rights, dignities and civil liberties afforded everyone else. Why? Because of the threat they represented to the old boy’s network and the way they wanted to run things.
“Communism - a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state.”
The wealthy in this country have been the ones holding all the property and basically dictating to the rest of us, what we can do/get/or obtain, and what we can’t, because they manipulated the system to their benefit. In addition, they didn’t want to lose their heavy handed grip on the rest of the world, and they didn’t care about the damage they did, stripping others of their resources to line their own greedy pockets.
For years, these people have acted like the entire world was their domain, and they could move about it, and do whatever they wished in whatever territories they entered into. They’ve raped and pillaged, and destroyed other peoples and nations to get what they want. This, they call competitiveness - ie; capitalism.
Now, everyone is being called upon to give back, and do you think that after they’ve scraped and pillaged, raped and killed to get that money and those resources, they want to give any of it up? Of course not, so they stomp and scream and yell and cry about it.
This is what represents Christians?
Manipulation
They devise manipulations and lies all for the purpose of claiming that
what our stormy petrel, Obama is doing is all wrong; a scheme of a
socialist; leading us to communism and so on. All scare tactics are
being utilized, because that is how they have lead this country with
lies and manipulations for centuries...by means of fear. The last
administration was perfect proof of this sort of behavior, but now,
they claim that they are just misunderstood.
Well I think that they have misconstrued the language and confused a
socially-minded person with a socialist. They’re just flipping the
language a bit for confusion’s sake, so let’s get correct definitions.
“Social-minded - interested in or concerned with social conditions or the welfare of society.”
And a social-minded person tends to be more charitable towards people
in society, and isn’t that what Christians are called upon to be? Are
we supposed to hold some people at higher value than others, or did
Christ treat all people equally? Despite the fact that the Jews are the
“chosen” people, I don’t see them held to any higher respect than any
other for God’s kingdom, and here’s why:
Act 10:34 Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Act 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
In truth, Christians are called to be charitable; to give up what they have and follow Christ. So then, why are so many who call themselves “Christian” having issue with paying their fair share? Many claim to be charitable, but allegedly, don’t want the government telling them how charitable to be.
“Charity -
1. generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless: to devote one's life to charity.
2. something given to a person or persons in need; alms: She asked for work, not charity.
3. a charitable act or work.
4. a charitable fund, foundation, or institution: He left his estate to a charity.
5. benevolent feeling, esp. toward those in need or in disfavor: She looked so poor that we fed her out of charity.
6. leniency in judging others; forbearance: She was inclined to view our selfish behavior with charity.
7. Christian love; agape.”
Wow. This sounds nothing like the attitude of the extreme right, right about now. And these synonyms: kindliness, consideration, humanity, benignity, sympathy; I see nothing in their behavior that looks like that. What I see is best described by the antonym: malevolence.
There are 24 verses about charity in the bible. Here are a few choice ones to remember:
1Ti 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and [of] a good conscience, and [of] faith unfeigned:
1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Rev 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last [to be] more than the first.
1Cr 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
1Cr 13:2 And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
1Cr 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
1Cr 13:4 Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
1Cr 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away.
1Cr 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity.
1Cr 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy.
1Cr 16:14 Let all your things be done with charity.
Col 3:14 And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
What I see when I observe President Obama is charity. He is an egalitarian - asserting, resulting from, or characterized by belief in the equality of all people, esp. in political, economic, or social life.
Generosity
“Generosity -
1. Liberality in giving or willingness to give: a scholarship funded by the generosity of anonymous donors.
2. Nobility of thought or behavior; magnanimity.
3. Amplitude; abundance.
4. A generous act.
5. The trait of being willing to give your money or time [ant: stinginess]”
Reading this, you might think that I’m writing this because I’m one of the people labeled by some as a lazy bum who doesn’t have enough education or initiative to get up and do for myself. You’d be wrong. Sure, I’ve been unemployed now for just over two years. By natural standards, I should be writing from a position of need, but you see, that’s just the point. I’m not in need. Why? I have God.
Think about all those people out in the world who don’t have Him; who have a real reason to be frightened about the economic situation we are in. Aren’t we, as Christians called to meet the needs? Then why is paying our fair share such a big deal and burden to a Christian nation? How are we, as Christians going to reach out and meet the needs if we are not willing to give up anything? How are we going to meet the needs if we are only concerned about ourselves and our personal inconveniences? What does this lack of charity say about the God we say we serve? Don’t just stand up when it’s convenient. Don’t just stand up when things are going your way financially or economically. If you’re going to stand up for God, stand up and remain standing.
Sandra M Urquhart
Massage Therapist/Writer
For links to more articles check out:
http://www.sandramurquhart.com & my new website: http://www.issuesinyourtissuesmassagetherapy.com
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Comments
I congratulate you, Ms. Etherealenimga, on a well-written hub. I like the way you deal with a subject so relevant in our current political climate. I see that your remarks are directed solely to Christians. As that includes me too, I thought that I might leave a comment.
To be honest with you, it always makes me a little nervous when I hear folks talk politics using theocratic terms. In many ways it reminds me of the ayatollah. Personally, I would rather render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God.... Well, you know what I mean.
I get even more nervous when someone suggests that I should behave in some particular way because it is the Christian thing to do, or say, or think. "In truth, Christians are called to be charitable", you said. Very true but, so are Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and most other folks by virtue of their human nature. Don’t get me wrong. I truly like what you have to say about fairness and charity, but I wanted to comment that you could have expanded your audience to include most other Americans if you had left God out.
Q.
- Author
I know, but since Christians are called to be the light, we should be leading on this, and the problem I see is that we are not. That is why I directed this at Christians. I'm tired of the double standard. I'm tired of the fake representation by the "far right" in politics...the republicans, being touted as the representation for Christians and the "Christian right," when they don't act Christian at all. Thanks for the comment and compliment.
Will The Real Christians Please Stand Up And Remain Standing
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Maybe it's you that can not see the signs of the tidal wave of anti-christian values. "Christian" is a label like every other word out there. Bottom line do you walk the walk as the bible calls you to do. Not as you would manipulate the words to make it so that it fits. The bible is clear, simple and straightforward. Either your with God or your against him....period. He clearly states that you shall stand for the innocent, give your life for the church and be martyred for God's glory can you handle that? Rush Limbaugh simply has a fire inside of him that needs to come out, do you have that passion today for any one thing? Passions in people fuel change. If we all came together under the umbrella of doing the next right thing as god requires then we could move mountains until then it's downhill for us all.
- Author
Linda,
The reason there are signs of "anti-christian values" as you say, is because the "Christians" haven't been acting like Christians. It's a double standard to say that you have Christian values and then overlook or support a political win by theft and manipulation. Is it right for the far right to walk and talk like the left, and yet say that they are right simply because they hold one or two particular moral values in more high esteem than their opponents? Not if their actions and attitudes don't support the "values" they ascribe to.
And can you tell me how promoting fear is "walking the walk as the bible calls us to do," because my bible speaks against walking in fear, yet people like Limbaugh use it as a weapon to promote their agenda.
I agree that the bible is simple and straightforward. I am for God, and as such, I won't condone inappropriate behavior and attitudes that attempt to align themselves as "Godly," or "Godlike," or "Christian," especially if it comes from people who proclaim themselves to be representatives of God and His will. I'm not the type that sits by quietly while God's glory and reputation is distorted and shamed by the actions and attitudes of those who try to lay claim to Him to promote or project the "rightness" of their personal or political agendas. Can you handle that?
Give your life for the church? I thought we were supposed to give our life for Christ. The church is a man-made institution. It may have been inspired by God in its origins, but in many respects, it is lacking God's Spirit and direction, and it does not dictate my relationship with God, so I would never give my life for the church.
I will always stand for the innocent, but just because I choose to stand for them, does not mean that I will also ignore everything and everyone else. I will never make one or two moral issues the crux of my every decision, because I'm not lead by moral issues.
I'm lead by God, and just because those calling themselves the "far right," promote one or two issues as if supporting them is the end all summation of someone's belief in God; I don't hold to that. My belief in God is faith based, not politically based; therefore, I go where He leads as He leads me, not as the church directs me per their agenda. Aside from that, it is not the church's place nor directive to involve themselves in politics. That is not what we were called to do here on earth, so certainly, I won't get mislead or offtrack on that issue nor will I follow the edits of the church, just because the church says so.
As to being martyred for God's glory...if He calls me into that situation, I will go forward with as much courage as I can muster, and rely on Him for the rest.
As for Rush Limbaugh, I can't even believe you attempt to justify his constant judgmentalism and prejudices by claiming he "simply has a fire inside him that needs to come out." If he's burning up like that, is it really of God? Just having a fire inside does not make you a follower of Christ. And frankly, I don't have to manipulate any words to make that point. It is crystal clear. He can sit on his self-made high horse all he wants, and cast aspersions on everyone who is against his agenda and purposes, but none of that demonstrates the love of God, and isn't that what we are here to do?
Rush, much like the enemy, is an accuser-always pointing fingers and using guilt to manipulate people. Who is it that he's serving by this? God has no need to manipulate anyone, nor use guilt to bend their will to His requirements. And tell me something, when did God ever scream and yell at anyone who disagreed with His will? Is that really a demonstration to the world of someone who is representative of God or his real church? I think not.
By the way, passions in people don't fuel change. Prayer changes things. If the bible is so clear and simple to you, then surely you know this. What bible are you reading? Apparently it's not the same one as I'm reading, because your retoric is mixed with a lot of world views and you state them as if they are scripture. Before you allow your emotions to get you riled up without any scriptural support, perhaps you need to spend more time studing the clear and simple truth that you say is so straightforward, so that you can really understand what is the "right thing," versus dictated knowledge of the "right wing agenda," because that is not what we are called to study to show ourselves approved. Peace and blessings.
My family and I have recently moved to Georgia and have been shocked by the Republican far right "push" in the relatively upper class churches here in this small town. Racism is unstated but lived out everyday. My wife and I are a mixed couple and have three wonderfully different children. We have sat in the church we have been serving for three years and have been feeling alienated by the hate and heated comments flowing non-stop from the church members and the podium as well. We have been shocked by this seemingly normal behavior of People calling Obama names like radical and socialist among other unsavory titles. This coming from a church leadership that tells us to hate. We simply could not stomach it anymore. It has been six months and we have not found any church in our area that does not cater to this unintelligent behavior. With the exception of going to the church on the "other" side of town. We went on two occasions and have been welcomed with open arms and were amongst the holy spirit there as they really got into serving the Lord.
God Bless You and keep up the fact that we are not called to be idiots in order to follow Jesus. We can be smart about it and apply our faith, money or not. We are called to take the humble side, that of the weak and helpless. Jesus came to deliver GOOD NEWS TO THE POOR. That does not sit well with the rich. God sees all as equal. OOOPS did I just say that?
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