The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

On a regular basis I receive emails forwarded by family and friends which contain a message which, although somewhat appealing, is contrary to how we as Christians should communicate with others (inside and outside the Church).  The latest case-in-point contains statements like:

Congratulations to our fellow Canadians in Quebec who had the courage and conviction to exhibit their common sense in officially banning the hijab for certain transactions where identity is mandatory.... It's a start. It's a privilege to be allowed to immigrate and to live in this country....not a right. 

and

Its about time we get real and stand up for our forefathers rights, we are CANADIAN Lest we forget it I am a Native of this Country & proud of it!  

NO MORE POLITICAL CORRECTNESS  

NO MORE not saying CHRISTMAS in stores and our schools!

You know the type of email I am talking about - the ones that end with "If you love God and your country you will forward this immediately to everyone in the universe!"

Paul, in his second letter to Timothy says:

Keep reminding God's people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 

Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.  (2 Timothy 2:14, 23-26)

In my mind, these messages are worthless quarreling, resentful, and anything but gentle.  They will not lead anyone to God. 

I say this not to shame or condemn anyone.  It is so easy to be deceived into believing that these are helpful messages because they are well crafted - I have been fooled myself.  What I want is for us to take the time to consider not how the message makes us feel, because these are designed to make us feel we have been hard done by and need to stand up for ourselves, but rather to look at how the message looks to God.  Would He agree with this message?  Consider these words from Abraham Lincoln when asked if he thought God was on the side of the North during the American Civil War: "Pray not that God is on our side, but that we are on God's side."

If you agree with my premise, perhaps you can keep this message around and forward it to those who send you this kind of message (or craft your own response). If you disagree, please engage me - I would love to talk to you about this.

I have added a few extra names to the list today because I feel this message needs to go to a wider audience.  If you are one of these, and wish to continue to receive my daily messages, please let me know (if you want a taste of what they are usually like, you can visit my blog.)  Otherwise, don't worry, this is a one-time rant!  

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

O grant unto us, O Lord God, that we may love one another unfeignedly; 

for where love is, there art Thou; 

and he that loveth his brother is born of Thee, and dwelleth in Thee, and Thou in him. 

And where brethren do glorify Thee with one accord, 

there dost Thou pour out Thy blessing upon them. 

Love us, therefore, O Lord, and shed Thy love into our hearts, 

that we may love Thee, 

and our brethren in Thee and for Thee, 

as all children to Thee, 

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

-- Book of Christian Prayers, 1578

(http://kenanderson.net/bible/html/march.html)

Bruce MacPherson  macpherson@celtic.ca / Blog: The Celtic Christian / Home: 613.489.4174 Cell: 613.720.0821 You are receiving this email because you have requested it or I felt you would be interested in this material. If you would like to be removed from this email list, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above email address.  Likewise, if you know of someone else who you believe would appreciate receiving these messages, please let me know.