“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” - Ephesians 4:29
We are living in troubled times. Tensions are running high. Many are easily offended. Disagreements sometimes boil over into violence. Our nation is being torn apart by anger and frustration.
I wish to highlight one major problem that seems to stir up immediate hostility. Most Americans, especially the news media and talk show hosts, are guilty. Here's the problem: we tend to label others. It is easy to use labels in describing others.
Here are some popular (and inaccurate) labels that ungodly celebrities use to describe Christians today:
Homophobic
It is easy for people to use these labels and they feel justified in using them. They never consider that their words actually stir controversy and contribute to the growing anger that is sweeping our land.
As Christians, we need to resist the temptation to play the name game. Although unbelievers often use derogatory and inaccurate labels in describing us, it does not give us the right to use insulting labels as a means of getting revenge. God has called us to a higher standard than that.
What I want to address is the use of labels in the Church. As Christians, we love labels. We enjoy labels of denominational and doctrinal choice. We love to label ourselves. But we also love to label others. Here are some common “Christian” labels of our day:
Dispensational
There are many similar labels out there. We may enjoy describing ourselves with one or more of these labels. We may be revolted by others. Here's the problem. None of these labels are technically in the Bible. Many of these labels indicate a doctrinal belief, but the label itself is not in the Bible. Furthermore, these labels can mean different things to different people.
We would be better off just using the labels that the Bible uses. When the Lord called Simon, he gave him the nickname, Peter, which means little stone. Simon accepted that label and used it the rest of his life. In his two epistles, he referred to himself as Peter. The nickname given to him by the Lord was cherished by Simon. Wouldn't you feel happy to have a special name lovingly given to you by the Lord?
As followers of Jesus, the Bible has attached some great labels to us. Labels like,
You may enjoy the doctrinal labels I mentioned before, but I'd rather use the labels God has given to me.
Yes, the world will continue to use insulting labels to criticize, ridicule and shame us. Those who preach the loudest against hate tend to use hate-filled words and create unnecessary drama. They can play in the mud all they want to. Personally, I'd rather stay clean and walk with God.
I admit that I am unworthy to wear the labels that God uses to describe me. But He is the One who chose to use them. His labels are given out of great affection and love. That's all I care about.
It doesn't really matter what others say about me.
No comments:
Post a Comment