The Fight for Orthodoxy—Bullying
April 2, 2007
Dear Friends,
How much do we need to be concerned about other people’s agreement with us? Certainly there needs to be some level of agreement between people. Paul states in his second letter to the Corinthians, “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?†(6:16) The whole idea behind fellowship is a “sharing in common†which would certainly include some baseline understanding of what is true.
Just like judging, though, we should always hold a higher standard for our own doctrinal and moral purity than we do for others. Of course, the Scriptures warn us over and over again that it is the natural thing to do otherwise. We are too often very willing to give ourselves the benefit of the doubt and impute to ourselves the highest of motives while denying that basic courtesy others; particularly in the heat of debate.
The key is not whether or not we need some basis for determining what is or is not orthodox, but how we go about reaching this consensus. The truth is that the only orthodoxy I can really control is my own. I can teach others. I can show others a good example. I can refute those who oppose themselves in a meek and gentle spirit. However, when I start to force my will on others by some type of coercion, we are in very dangerous waters.
Imagine the insanity trying to force a potential convert to believe as you believe through threats, intimidation, blackmail or physical force. It really did happen at one point in history, so this is not imaginary. It was called the Inquisition. Can this ever be said to be the Spirit of Christ? If the works of the flesh are not appropriate for gaining converts, why would they be appropriate for establishing what is orthodox? The Spirit of Christ is never cramming the “truth†down someone’s throat.
Establishing orthodoxy should not come in the form of bullying. Haman, in the book of Esther, is a good example of a Bible bully and therefore a helpful model for us not to emulate. Haman’s bullying started when Mordecai would not bow before him. Haman’s bullying involved a proud ego intent on having everyone do things his way “or else.†Haman was so intent on destroying Mordecai that he didn’t care who else was hurt in the process. Haman was not above using political intrigue for his evils plans. The motivating emotion for Haman was anger and hated rather than love and humility. When warned against his evil deeds, Haman did not change his ways but persisted to his own destruction.
Unfortunately, orthodoxy often does come in the form of bullying. So, in the face of spiritual Hamans, we naturally feel like retaliating and taking matters into our own hands. The right course is the balance between not capitulating and not taking matters into our own hands. Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman but also did not stoop to Haman’s level or simply give in. Mordecai did what he could do in good conscience. We need to be firm and resolute without being angry. We need to forgive without being wishy-washy. We need to stand firm for what is right without being domineering. We need to do the right thing but let God do His job (vengeance, judgment, etc.) while we do our job (obedience, forgiveness, love, etc.). If we allow God to do His job and strive to the best of our abilities to do our job, in the end, even if it is only in our own lives, what is right and good will prevail.
Have a great week,
Comments»
No comments yet.