Good Morning, Meetpastordan Readers…I have been drawn to this subject for a few weeks, but I wanted to take some time and wait for the Holy Spirit to direct the perspective of my response. I have experienced this question quite a few times, and my experience has been that it is a set-up question. I say that because in every case the person asking the question was not particularly interested in my answer, but they were certainly interested in challenging my response in order to champion their perspective and promote their agenda. At first, I got sucked into this stinky swamp, but I have since discovered an answer that has been appropriate regardless of the question. “Jesus would do what He has always done; He would stand on the Truth of God’s Word, and against evil wherever or whenever He encountered it.”
After pondering this particular question for a while, a few common-sense truths began to take shape in my mind. First, if the person asking the question knew anything about the truth of who Jesus is, they wouldn’t have to ask that question. And secondly, in the culture in which we are now living, depravity prevails. People have fallen away from common-sense, decency, spirituality and morality. Consequently, they have bought into the insanity of today’s culture, and now espouse that new “enlightened” persona. We, as Christians, stand in the way of their “free-to-be-me” agenda, so their intent is to marginalize or ridicule our beliefs as being “out of touch with the world today”, or much too simplistic and without intellectual merit. Being contentious and confrontational is part of their game-plan.
The truth is, Jesus never promised His followers an easy ride. In fact, He was quite up front about what to expect. He said, “In this world you will have trouble, but fear not, for I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) He also reminded us that every day we would have to “deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Him.” (Luke 9:23) And again we were told, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted Me, naturally they will persecute you. They will do all this to you because of Me…” (John 15:18-21)
Now let’s look at today’s culture and superimpose that answer, using two hot-topic questions as examples. I would, however, like to add this parameter to the mix since the question pertains to Jesus specifically. I will answer the questions based on the Truth of God’s Word found in the Holy Bible. Since I believe His Word IS His Truth, all answers will be filtered through that lens. I will use these two Scriptures as substantiation for my belief system. 2Peter 1:20-21 tells us, “Above all you must understand that no prophecy or Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God.” 2Timothy 3:16-17 reinforces that position: “All Scripture is inspired by God, and is useful to teach us what is true and what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out, and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing He wants us to do.”
I have encountered today’s topic question, “What would Jesus do?”. in regard to gender identity. The opposition wanted to challenge my tolerance, compassion and enlightenment by preceding the actual question with, “I believe they have a right do be happy…don’t you?” Then comes, “What do you think Jesus would do (or say) as it relates to gender identity.” (Remember, “Satan, the god of this world, has already clouded the hearts and minds of non-believers” 2 Corinthians 4:4) I would respond, “Jesus would do the same thing He did in the wilderness when confronted by satan; He would rebuke his lies by standing on the Truth of God’s Word.” God created Mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. They were given specific physical attributes to identify them, and to fulfill their purpose. Be fruitful and multiply.” (Genesis1:27-28) Any alteration of God’s creation, for whatever the purpose, would be an afront to Him. But the truth is, Jesus is always there with open arms to welcome anyone home who has gone astray, and the Holy Spirit is available to lead them into all Truth. That Truth revelation IS the pathway to confidence, security, joy, peace and serenity.”
Now let’s look at the hot topic of Socialism. This is the new “buzz-word” of the liberal left, and just as satan’s lie to Eve in the Garden was wrapped in a lie (“…your eyes will be opened and you will be just like God. Genesis 3: 5), the presentation of Socialism is always clothed in the same kind of deception. The set-up may be something of this nature: “Don’t you see the evils of capitalism? Don’t you think the playing field should be leveled so the less advantaged can experience a better quality of life? Socialism stands for the greater good. After all, Jesus preached about helping the poor, right?
The truth is, “God is Love” (1John 4:7), and in love, there is freedom. He gave us “free will” at creation so we could choose to enter into a relationship with Him. He also set the Israelites free from four hundred years of bondage to an oppressive Egypt. And why did Jesus come? He came to set the captives free! (free from bondage to our sin-nature) {Luke 4:18}
The wrapping (the lies) might make Socialism sound like a good idea, but it is, in fact, the antithesis of freedom. In our current form of government, a republic, the founding documents were woven together based on Judeo-Christian principles stating that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were inalienable rights that were granted by a Creator. Socialism, on the other hand, believes in a large central government that promises to be our savior and our provider. But history has shown that once the government has power over the people, it more often than not, becomes tyrannical and oppressive.
Mark J. Perry, concurrently a scholar at American Enterprise Institute and professor of economics and finance at University of Michigan substantiated that position when he wrote an article in 1995 entitled, “Why Socialism Fails.” His opening statements included these two indictments: “Socialism is the ‘Big Lie’ of the twentieth century. While it promises prosperity, equality, and security, it delivered proverty, misery and tyranny. Even if there are initial signs of success, those signs quickly fade as the fundamental deficiencies are exposed. It is the initial illusion of success that gives government intervention its pernicious, seductive appeal. In the long run, however, Socialism has always proven to be a formula for tyranny and misery. Equality was achieved only in the sense that everyone was equal in his or her misery.”
The Word of God cautions us to be discerning when we hear about new ideas, new trends, and the latest, greatest advancements. Apostle Paul alluded to this when he told the Galatians they were falling away from the truth: “You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News, but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.” (Galatians 1:7)
So, as we apply the truth of Paul’s remarks, there are always those who lust after wealth, power and control, and who are, unfortunately, willing to do or say anything to achieve that end. But as Christ-followers, we are to do the same thing Jesus did when He was here. He stood on the truth of God’s Word, and He stood against evil whenever and wherever He saw it. The religious leaders of His day had the power and control, but He challenged them unmercifully to expose their hypocrisy. I believe we have that same directive today as His followers, and the Scripture we can stand on is, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my Word will last forever.” (Matthew 24:35) “God didn’t give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of love, power, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Feel free to “like” this and please share it with other social media friends.
May God bless you…
Dan Presgrave (a.k.a. Pastor Dan)
Leave a Comment