Freedom and the Christian

Freedom

“It is imperative that freedom of judgment should be granted, so that men may live together in harmony, however diverse, or even openly contradictory their opinions maybe.  In proportion as the power of free judgment is withheld, we depart from the natural condition of mankind.”
                                                                                                Baruch Spinoza

I am speaking here as a Christian appalled at the way Christian groups especially in the United States are reacting to the gay marriage law.
The United States and all western democracies are just that democracies. They are not “Christian democracies” they are “secular democracies”. There is no such thing as a Christian government on this earth at this time. And governments like it or not have the right to define marriage even if it is not to the liking of Christians.
Living in a secular democracy is something the apostles knew very well. They lived in the Roman empire an empire as ethnically diverse as any nation today. An empire that was filled with pagan practises that the average Christian or Jew at the time would have disliked immensely.
Yet nowhere in the New Testament do I see Jesus or his disciples speaking out against the civil secular authorities.
Jesus even when brought before Pilate never said anything against the civil authority of Rome. In fact he said,
“You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.”
                                                                                        John 19:11a
The apostle Paul while living under one of the worst emperors Nero even wrote,
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.”  
                                                                                                                                Romans 13:1-3
Someone years ago once told me, when you restrict someone else’s freedom you ultimately restrict your own.
It is my feeling that provided the freedoms granted to any group does not infringe on my freedoms to believe as I wish as a Christian then they should have the right to believe and do as they wish.
We know such a system worked because thanks to the freedom of the Roman empire with all its diversity Christianity flourished.
The apostle Paul writes,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 
                                                                                          1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Put simply Paul is saying, lets keep our own house clean and not judge those outside the church. Especially others who do not recognize our standards and ethics.
We as Christians are called to Love God, our neighbour and our enemy, even if we disagree with them. We can’t show this in a democracy if we are trying to restrict someone’s rights.
James the brother of Christ wrote,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” 
James 2:12,13.
We are to show love and mercy even to our worst enemy and the gay, lesbian and trangendered community are not our enemies. They are the same as anyone else in this world, people in need of the love of God.
The apostle Paul writing to the Romans wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  
                                                                                                               Romans 12:18,
Christians have no right to judge anyone, that is God’s job. Only God knows the inner thoughts and feelings of an individual. Only God knows what makes a man or woman what they are.
The apostle Peter writes,
“Dear friends
  I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’ 
                                                                       1 Peter 2:11,12.
One of those sinful desires is the desire to judge individuals.
Perhaps the best example of how a Christian should speak and act toward those whom he disagrees with is when the Apostle Paul spoke at the Areopagus  in Athens Acts 17:17-34.
Athens was the centre of pagan worship. There were things I know Paul would object to but Paul realized that he was a visitor, or as Peter said an “alien and stranger.” therefore he respected their beliefs and ways.
As a result they listened to him, some accepted Christ while others wanted to hear more.
I know within some church groups same sex marriage is a bone of contention. I know many groups treat the trangender community as if they have “special sins”. This should not be.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.”
                                Tony Campolo
We cannot win souls for Christ be they in the gay community or in any other community in this world if we are judging them and trying to restrict their rights. They will only turn us away and that prevents us from doing our job.
Jesus told Christians what our job is when he said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 
                                                                               Matthew 28:18-20.
Christian please think carefully about how you act around non-Christians no matter who they are. All men and women in this world are in need of the saving grace of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.
Upon your actions may rest the eternal destiny of those you come in contact with.
Remember the words of Francis of Assisi who said,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 
                                                                                                          Francis of Assisi
Please think about it.