WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

This is a popular question today, and one that I hear asked frequently. It is also an awesome question when asked in humility by those seeking discernment concerning the next “right thing to do”; or when one is seeking to bring honor and glory to God.

The Bible has numerous references concerning discernment. 1John 4:1 states: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit (show discernment), but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”  And also in Hebrews, 4-12 we are told: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” In other words, it is always wise to check the motivation of the heart of the person asking the question.

The title question seems like an innocent question…right?  So you may be asking yourself, “Why make a big deal about it?”  Well…to my way of thinking, it is a big deal if the question is asked to promote what could be a politicized agenda.  As I have mentioned (and defined) in a previous posting (The Unmentioned Enemy, 12-7-2015), there is prevalent philosophy in this country that I have referred to as a “liberal, progressive agenda” (LPA). That agenda has a history of marginalizing Christian teaching, Christian traditions, and Christian documents at every opportunity. So when that question has its roots in the LPA, a red flag goes up and my first question becomes, “why was it asked?” Was it asked when seeking clarity concerning God’s will in a certain matter, or was it asked with the intent of marginalizing or discrediting our Christian beliefs once again?  Well, let’s look at the circumstance of the question?

There is a political issue facing our country right now that has prompted this blog.  As you know, our President has mandated that we accept a “certain number” of refugees.  (I choose not to put a number here because that number varies greatly depending on where I search for answers.)  But suffice it to say, that decision presents a major obstacle to the security of our country because there is no vetting process in place that is sufficient when it comes to weeding-out possible terrorists.  But none-the-less, I heard the President promoting his decision, and he asked the question, “What would Jesus do?”  Then later in the same presentation, he lectured us (Christians) about our “moral obligation” to accept these refugees.

So let’s look first at what the Bible says about Jesus, the Bridegroom, and his “church” (followers of Jesus Christ) as his bride.  Notice the “church” is made up of those who are in Christ.  Does Jesus want everyone to be part of his “church”?  Absolutely!  He died for all mankind and he doesn’t want to lose anyone.

But those who choose not to accept (our) God’s Gift of Grace – or choose to follow the teachings of another god (Allah) – are not heir to His blessings. Romans 1:28-29 tells us that “when they (nonbelievers) refused to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their evil minds and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, fighting, deception, and malicious behavior.”  In other words, if anyone chooses to continue to live “in sin” –  in this case, if their intent is to do harm to this country by slaughtering innocent men, women and children as they have done in other parts of the world – they definitely are not part of His family. Therefore they have the same status we had before we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior; they are God’s enemies. (Ref. Romans 5:10)

Now let’s look at the Biblical definition of a husband.  A husband is to be the spiritual leader of his household, and as such his role is to provide for his family and to keep them safe.  Ephesians 5:25 tells us, “And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church.  He gave his life for her.” So hypothetically, if the President’s mandate requires families to take in unknown people from an area known to produce an abundance of terrorist – and local families can’t be assured that their guests are not terrorist – does the husband have a “moral obligation” to put his family at risk?  I can’t think of any teaching of Jesus that would substantiate that scenario.

Galatians 5:27 describes the person who’s heart is filled with the teachings of Jesus.  “But when the Holy Spirit controls your lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”  Compare this with the description of an unbeliever three paragraphs back. (Romans 1:28-29.)

Now let’s compare the truth of Galatians 5:27 listed above with these four versus taken directly from the Quran.

Quran 2:191-192: ““And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah [disbelief or unrest] is worse than killing…but if they desist, then lo! Allah is forgiving and merciful. And fight them until there is no more Fitnah [disbelief and worshipping of others along with Allah] and worship is for Allah alone.

Quran 5:33: “The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His messenger and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or they should be imprisoned; this shall be as a disgrace for them in this world, and in the hereafter they shall have a grievous chastisement”

Quran 8:12:  “I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them” 

Quran 17:16: And when We wish to destroy a town, We send Our commandment to the people of it who lead easy lives, but they transgress therein; thus the word proves true against it, so We destroy it with utter destruction.” 

The striking contrast between the teachings of Jesus and the teachings found in the Quran speak for themselves.  History has shown that these two teachings have never been able to coexist in peace.  Titus 1:15-16 tells us, “Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure.  But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are defiled.  Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. 

So what do you think was the President’s motivation for asking the question, “What would Jesus do?”  And based on what we have seen in other parts of the world from countries that have accepted refugees, do you think we have a “moral obligation” to take in refugees who’s intent can certainly be questioned?.

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May God Bless Ya…

Dan Presgrave (a,k.a. Pastor Dan)