Thought of the Day 10.21.08

In my experience, people usually believe wrong things because the full implications remain hidden, along with the contradictions. Usually, a good rephrasing will do the trick.

Here’s an example: “I don’t want to let this country be overrun by immoral people who deny basic American values.” Obviously, right?

Now try this: “I don’t want to spend my time with immoral people like adulterers, fornicators, and gays.” Still sounds almost wise, doesn’t it?

But rephrase it this way: “I can’t stand to be around people who are hostile to God and Christianity.” Uh-oh. Something has gone wrong here, since this is exactly the opposite of what Jesus did.

See, Christ did not come to proclaim a moral code. He came to conduct a reclamation project that makes raising the Titanic look like a 6th grade science fair entry. This required Him to actively seek out people drenched in sin. And probably our biggest delusion is thinking that living in a ethical gated communities will ever properly embody that divine ministry.