Ben's Thoughts

Taking Friendly Fire

Three weeks ago, two U.S. servicemen were killed in Afghanistan by friendly fire. The two were killed by a Hellfire missile fired from a U.S. Predator drone. The fellow Marines who were controlling the drone mistook the pair of soldiers as enemies. What a tragic accident! Stories of “friendly fire” among our service men and women are very sad to hear about.

Unfortunately, “friendly fire” also occurs on the spiritual battlefield too. Christians sometimes “fire” at their fellow brethren, rather than at the Enemy. I’ve often wondered why some Christians are so eager to criticize other Christians for their strong beliefs. Just the other day, my future mother-in-law posted a great blog about the dangers of Christians attending prom. As we know, those who go to prom are exposing themselves to potentially raunchy and lascivious behavior, and their mere presence can dishonor the name of Christ.

Soon after the blog was posted, many replied with strong disagreements – some of which were done with a very mean spirit! On top of that, many who disagreed took the time to write exceptionally long and passionate rebuttals (5-6 paragraphs). Why are so many Christians so adamantly opposed to the idea that Christians should be separating themselves from sinful behavior? Why are so many against the idea that Christians should be pursuing a righteous and pure lifestyle?

The reason many are so eager to criticize their fellow brethren about their teachings on purity is because a failure to do so would require honesty about their own moral failures. To admit that Christians should not associate themselves with events that have a reputation for being full of sinful actions – to admit that Christians should wear modest apparel – to admit that Christians should avoid the appearance of evil – to admit that Christians should stay away from shameful behavior – requires a high level of honesty and integrity in one’s own life.

Needless to say, Christians must be set apart from the world (2 Cor. 6:17, Phil. 2:15, James 4:4). Christians must be surrounding themselves with good influences, not bad ones (1 Cor. 15:33). Christians must be setting an example to the lost world (Matt. 5:14-16). These should not be points of disagreement.

Let us put things into perspective. There are not many New Testament Christians around (when comparing our numbers to the rest of the world). The spiritual battle is tough enough as it is! Why are we shooting “friendly fire” at other Christians who have higher moral standards than our own?

Whether or not you agree with Christians who have a stronger moral compass than your own is not the point. The point is this: our brothers and sisters who are taking a stand for principles of morality should be respected, not attacked. It is refreshing that some Christians stillhave high standards for conduct and purity – something which is becoming increasingly rare in our society. It takes courage to say and do things that are not popular. We should encourage Christians who take their faith seriously.

Next time, let’s remember the big picture, cease the ‘friendly fire,’ and direct our offensive to the real perpetrator – Satan himself. 

“No Day Like Today”

This year’s Makin’ Music was fantastic! The performances by the hosts and hostesses were clean and entertaining, the show band was amazing, the emcee’s were actually funny, and there was neck-to-neck competition between nearly all of the clubs!

Definitely one of the best Makin’ Music shows I’ve been to! If you didn’t get to go yesterday, I hope you get the chance to go today! 

Preparedness

“Biblical,” an article by Broderick Greer

A while ago, I found an article by one of my highly respected peers. I wish he would write material like this today. The spiritual maturity he exemplifies in this article is impressive, especially considering the fact that he was a senior in high school. I wish to share it with you below. Enjoy!

“Biblical,” by Broderick Greer (2008)

What words do you use to describe your faith? Exciting? User-friendly? Evangelical? Liberal? Conservative? Moderate? Mainstream?

If you answered to any of the above descriptions, I would be interested in hearing your reasoning behind your answer. See, recently, I’ve been trying to find words that help describe authentic Christian faith, and hopefully words that describe my own faith in and relationship with God.

The very first word that came to mind was: BIBLICAL.

What is a system of belief without the Bible? Absolutely dead! The writer of Hebrews described the word of God as “living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword”. There is great power and life in God’s word! The Bible is indeed the greatest Book ever written.

Its Author is God.

Its message is universal.

Its truth is timeless.

Peter wrote that, “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”. Paul described the Sacred Writings as “words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit”.

The foundation of Christian faith resides in the words of Jesus Christ. At one time, God spoke to the fathers by the prophets, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world”. By the words of Jesus, the world will be judged.

Any person desiring to follow Jesus must be willing to be a “doer of the word”. Those who hear the word but do not practice it have “deluded themselves”. If an individual’s religion is not based upon the Jesus’ word, the Bible, that individual has a counterfeit religion. Therefore my friend, authentic Christian faith is first and foremost, Biblical.

“THE SUM OF YOUR WORD IS TRUTH, AND EVERY ONE OF YOUR RIGHTEOUS RULES ENDURES FOREVER” (Psalm 119:160).

Capitalism

“But I Have This Against You”

The church in Thyatira had all the characteristics of a strong and faithful church. Christ commended them for their “love and faith and service and patient endurance” (Rev. 2:19, ESV). Yet despite these wonderful attributes, Christ had this against them: they were allowing inappropriate behavior in their midst. The tolerance they were exhibiting toward Jezebel’s teachings and seductions (2:20) had stained the entire congregation in the eyes of Christ.

Likewise, I believe Freed-Hardeman to be the best Christian liberal-arts school in the world. Its remote location, academic catalogue, and Christ-centered philosophy cultivate an atmosphere which is ideal for young Christians who want to learn “how to live and how to make a living.”

However, I have this against the school: the administration allows the school’s cheerleaders and athletes to wear inappropriate attire. While students are required to adhere to the university’s dress code requirements, it is obvious that athletes and cheerleaders are exempt. Why does the school allow such a blatant inconsistency?

The only conclusion I can come to is that those who hold leadership positions at the school have allowed themselves to succumb to weak moral standards. The faculty and staff have been influenced by peer pressure from other schools and from [less spiritually minded] students.

It is embarrassing to think that when non-Christians observe our athletes and cheerleaders wearing clothing that is too tight and too short, they are given a message that such attire is appropriate for followers of Christ. Their outfits encourage lustful thoughts, making one’s Christian walk more difficult (a fact which should not be tolerated at Freed-Hardeman, much less any Christian - Rom. 14:13).

Because of the heightened level of temptation, I avoid attending and supporting any of the school’s athletic events where such clothing is worn. My conscience simply does not allow my presence.

Don’t misunderstand how I feel about Freed-Hardeman. I think it is a wonderful school. As a student I have grown in my faith, have built lasting friendships, and have been blessed with countless experiences - all of which have helped mold me into who I am today. I am simply disappointed that the school, as wonderful as it is, is not what it could (and should) be.

As followers of Christ, we must merely have a desire to keep His commands, rather than attempt to appease the influences of this world (2 Cor. 6:14-16).