The greatest challenge to the Church’s witness is not some extraordinary external enemy but an internal erosion of the ethics that should exemplify who we are.
In a courtroom, if a witness lies under an oath, they can be charged with perjury. To be a credible witness (per Brenda Salter McNeil), one need not be perfect – but at least be honest. To willfully lie under oath is a crime, and depending on the conditions, can carry jail time and fines.
The christian church in the West and in America is under a heavy indictment. Repeatedly landing on the wrong side of history by promoting oppressive forces or being silently complicit to abuse and bigotry, it’s a wonder that anyone would call themselves christian. It’s a wonder that anyone would trust such an unreliable witness.
Thank God for those Christian communities that refuse to cede their witness to the powerful. Thank God for those who advocate for those who’ve been shoved to the margins. Thank God for those who value all human beings as precious and beloved! Thank God for those who don’t separate their love for God from those made in God’s image. Thank God for those working publicly to preserve and protect the dignity and rights of every human – every single one!
History will be our judge. Will we be found faithful or at fault? The jury is out, but the clock is ticking…
20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
1 John 4:20–21
Does that seem way beyond us? Perhaps. But what kind of witness are you?
Good Morning, I love you all.
ihs,
just adam
pastorpoet 