Openly Condoning Sin

On the other blog I used to post on, I was once accused of being a Christian and “openly condoning sin.” I found it ironic that the comment came from the campus pastor at my former high school. While the comment originally was quite offensive, and he didn’t have the nerve to leave his name or e-mail, but I used IP tracking and time records to tell who posted it. I came to realize that despite the fact that I and the pastor were both Christians, we had differing beliefs and that led him to insult me personally, when he should have addressed what I said, not who I am as a person. I still haven’t recieved an apology, but I still forgive him.

I recieved an e-mail from a fellow Utah blogger, notifying me that he had linked to my blog, and was hoping that I would reciprocate. I obliged, and started reading his blog. He’s a fellow Christian as well, and happens to hold some beliefs that are contradictory to my own. I almost removed him from my blogroll and was tempted to ask him to remove his link to my page as well, but then came to an important realization. If everyone held the same beliefs and convictions that I do, then there would be no reason for me to even express myself. While many think that I am quite “non-patriotic” or “unpatriotic,” I point them to this quote:

“Dissent is the highest form of patriotism”
Thomas Jefferson (American 3rd US President (1801-09). Author of the Declaration of Independence. 1762-1826)

This goes to show that some of our founding fathers intended us to be able to use our voices to change things in our government that we disagree with or don’t like. Dissent isn’t an example of people hating the United States, it’s an example of people investing in their government. So, the people that don’t agree with the way I think our country should be run should merely see me as an equal or a contemporary. No two people completely agree on every issue.

I believe that Christians, regardless of political beliefs, moral beliefs, or beliefs otherwise should unite, but at the same time, keeping their own identities. There should not be such monumental amounts of hate between Christians. For as a popular hymn reads, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” If we aren’t showing love to fellow Christians, what will that portray us as? We will be cast aside as legimate Christ followers. Christ loved everyone, and thus we should also love, if we are claiming to be following Him. In conclusion, let us be like Christ. Love and be loved.