My three cents...

What a January. Scrolling through Facebook has become more of a chore than anything else. Everyone seems angry. Or defensive. Or both.

I've held off on political posts since the election but will briefly post what I've been mulling over. My main concern over the past few months has been how so many Christians can differ so greatly on something. I have friends on either side of this argument who are knowledgeable, kind, and intelligent. They also completely believe that the other person is wrong.

I have seen a few articles recently that begin with, "You aren't a Christian if ______" These articles are showing up on both sides of the aisle and I've taken issue with them. I think in our passion we sometimes find ourselves forgetting the basics.

What makes someone a Christian?

     That they support refugees?
     That they give to the church?
     That they believe in protecting their nation from harm?

Nope.

We KNOW this! We know that what makes someone a Christian is their knowledge of who Christ is. Their recognition of their sin and their belief that He has bridged the gap between us and God.

That's it.

So stop with the accusing. Whether you believe in someone else's opinion on refugees, the wall, or national security we as humans have no right to judge another's Christianity. Leave it to God. (Matt. 7:1)

Hold up, I"m not done yet.

I've also spent a bit of time looking through the Net Testament. I've read a lot of articles about how God killed off nations in the Old Testament and therefore the Godly answer would be to shut out anyone else because we are God's chosen people, just as Israel was.

I've read about how the story of the Good Samaritan is really teaching us to not get too close with those who are different because if you recall, the Samaritan did not bring that man INTO HIS HOME, he paid for his medical care and kept a reasonable distance.

Context People. Context. 

There is an extraordinary difference between what a government should do and what we, as Christians, should do.

We should be imitators of Christ right? (I Cor. 11:1) What did He do? What did He say?

Find me a verse where He turned the stranger away?

Fine me a verse where He didn't help the poor?

Find me a verse where He discouraged spending time with the needy?

(Hint: you're going to need to focus on the New Testament because that's where He shows up.)

I've looked and I've found nothing.

Regardless of what you think this country should do when it comes to foreign involvement, what should WE do, as imitators of Christ?

One First Corinthians is clear, We have one job.

Stop writing articles about how and why someone is wrong. Spend a moment today figuring out how you can help a stranger in need, and then go do it.