True Toughness

According to Newsweek and MSN The manifesto of Cole Allen (who attempted to shoot officials at this weekend’s White House Correspond ants Dinner) contained several references to Christianity (one paragraph below).

I am appalled by this fact. I am grateful that this individual recognized the love he received at his church and seems conflicted knowing that his chosen actions are not in line with Christian standards. Instead of appealing to Christian ethics he seems bent on sidestepping them to do what he wants.

However, I cannot help but wonder if pastors are doing enough to show people how out of line with Christian ideals such violence is? For instance over the weekend I saw these two posts from pastors on social media:

“Men should not be fat, but fit. Especially Christian men.

Men should not be weak, but strong. Especially Christian men.

Men should not be defenseless, but able to fight. Especially Christian men.

Men should not be untrained, but able to shoot. Especially Christian men.

Onward”

“How do we live peacefully with people who are trying to kill us?

You don’t.”

There is obviously something wrong when pastors are making such comments. The crux of this for me is that Christians are seemingly being led by people (including pastors) that seem to be endorsing the idea that we can lay aside our Christian principles right now be we live in a unique time which calls for action. But this is a lie from Satan. If we say this is a unique time where we lay aside our convictions then we are simply giving in to the means of the authorities who killed Jesus.

As the saying goes, “When the going gets tough the tough get going”. This is a time for mental, emotional, and spiritual toughness. And that means committing even more to living like Jesus, loving your neighbor and enemy, showing grace and mercy, being caring and compassionate. The temptation is always to resort to the violence of this world but when Jesus was confronted by swords he healed.

If the evil of this world bothers you, lament to the Lord who is the sole arbiter of vengeance. But do not allow the evil to corrupt you away from the moral standards Jesus se.