Appearing 'evil'

I fear some will dislike these words, but the reality is that most people look at the appearance of things and from that decide that it does not suit them. The same is true for some Christians when it comes to Church, especially in the 'appearance of evil' department. To act without finding out is sinful and folly!

Where I find myself, this issue has been discussed and the overarching hope was that people would see the minister or pastor of the church, the congregation and their views as the basis for fellowship rather than engaging or removing themselves from fellowship because of the denominational labels and the actions of a few.

I suppose it's a bit like the issues and prejudices surrounding blacks that existed where I grew up in North London. The reality was that the majority of those with different skin colours were gentle, generous, kind and exceptionally nice people. The prejudice of some (whites) and the (re)actions of others (blacks) caused confrontation and a throwing out of bathwater and baby. Had time and trouble be taken to engage with each other the reality that there were good and bad in each community would have aided a place of peace being found sooner.

Hopefully there will be a generosity between Christians and people will take the time to assess each of the churches on their fruit and attitudes. Because some ripples are caused by people who seek to portray their apparently sinful action as right and their selfish choices as something different means that some out there will see the label on the box as 'appearance of evil'. But just like the black issue when I was a kid - hopefully there will be dialogue and a coming together to understand what each of the churches actually is. Perhaps some will find themselves ostracised (I hope not) but hopefully we will dialogue and come to an understanding and a continued relationship.

We should never exclude or pillory people because of who they are, but we must never back away from challenging people about who they have decided to be - especially when it is sin.

We must never take the opportunity to claim we are believers, loving God, and yet engage in hating our brothers and sisters - I guess we should just leave that to the liberals  and the fascists (a sad, but very true observation in my experience of those who twist words and act disgracefully against those with whom they disagree).

Pax