Hater? I Think Not

Based on views, I feel I should apologize for not posting sooner; based on comments I'm not sure it really matters. Being a husband, father (of teens), still working, along with taking care of the normal "stuff" and trying to keep myself in shape with recreation; it gets tough to carve out the time for a post. I like to think that my thoughts are shared by others, but with no comments, it's hard to tell - and a bit discouraging. A few brief comments would go a long way toward encouragement. Anyway, enough of the whining; on to the subject at hand.

I have been accused of being a "hater" when I express disapproval of those who conduct themselves contrary to God's Will. First off - I hate the word hater. We didn't need a new word. We already had critic, judge, cynic, complainer, etc. But even if I accepted the word used by others; it's not accurate. Definitions of hater indicate that the one "hating" has no real basis or reason for their "hate". Well, if I am using God's standard, how could there be a more solid basis? When the Bible uses the word hate it indicates God's direct disapproval or how a believer should react to anything in this category. Essentially, a believer should hate what God hates. So, that's where I'm coming from when I post about the general state of our society.

So yes, I hate it when the fruit of the spirit enumerated in Galatians 5:23 is scarce, but reprobate behavior is everywhere (most disturbingly in the churches). I don't expect to eliminate  it as we are told in these times there will be mockers and those who only want to hear what they want to (certainly not what God says), but we can certainly refrain from participating. 

I used to participate in the same revelries as most of society, but when I became saved the Holy Spirit convicted me that changes were needed. Inappropriate movies were disposed of (not just put away: trashed (gratuitous violence/sex/language is inappropriate for any follower of Christ - young or old), alcohol was removed from our house (a drink may be alright; a drunk is never alright), music promoting/lauding bad behavior was avoided, and similar type
conversation (especially gossip), was ignored. This is no small feat in this age. Even among professing believers, we have been considered a bit extreme. However debatable that may be, I would much rather err on the cautious side. Even as believers, we can never actually attain or maintain God's standards (try the Ten Commandments on for size), but by setting our sights on them we should come a lot closer than most do. So many live out the philosophy of seeing how close they can get to fire (sin), and not get burned. The prudent course is stay as far away as you can from the fire, then there is no doubt as to whether you're scorched or not. As 1 Thessalonians exhorts: don't even give the impression that you're involved in evil.

When self-proclaimed Christians "hang out" with unbelievers, they have to be extra careful to be set-apart; to be salt and light, not just go along to get along. Some situations are just going to be off-limits. Yeah, you can (I have), go with unbelieving friends to a place that serves alcohol (I personally gave up alcohol 5 years ago; I want to always be able to give Jesus my best, and I don't want to be a stumbling block), but you better be real sure how to conduct yourself. There is no way to justify (knowingly),  going to an inappropriate movie, or anyplace that allows or promotes that kind of behavior. You won't often find the fruit of the Spirit in environments such as these. If you find yourself in one; you better exhibit the fruit.

As true believers, we don't hate anyone in the sense that the world means it. We truly hate the sin, not the sinner; whereas those of the world truly hate the sinner and usually couldn't give a fig about the sin. They hate those of different skin color, religion, economic/social status, music taste, clothing taste, etc. And since the whole unrepentant lot of them are sinners, it never enters the equation. Christians on the other hand, hate the sin that keeps the person wallowing in it from Christ. We want the best possible for everyone: a relationship with Jesus Christ. 

I hate that there is way too much of the wrong hate in the world, and not nearly enough of the right hate. And that's because I love what Jesus Christ did on the Cross for me (and you).