Contend to The Gospel, But Don't Be a Jerk!

It amazes me how Christians can be this way. How do we help others see the beauty of Christ when we act like jerks towards one another?!

Funny, because I found an article that brought many things to light. I must say I hope it offends us to the point if conviction. Ultimately changing our nasty attitudes and pointing all direction towards Christ. To treat others as he did. To love others as he did. Forgive as he did. To be a reflection of him.

The following article is
by Eugene Cho 02 - 24 - 2011

"In a pluralistic world of a plethora of thoughts ,
ideas , philosophies , and worldviews , it makes
total sense to me that Christians need to be
equipped and engaged in “ contending ” for the
gospel .

I get it . I really do .

It ’ s a larger marketplace of ideas and, as such ,
Christians ought to engage in this marketplace .
We ’ re no longer entitled the majority of market
share — if we’ ve even ever held that distinction .
But here ’ s one thing I ’ d like to convey : In the
pursuit of contending for the gospel , please,
don ’ t be a jerk.

Because , honestly , “Christian jerks ” are a tragic
paradox — especially when they think they are
doing the kingdom a great favor .

Let ’ s contend for the gospel but let’ s not be
jerks in the process. Nowhere do I read in the
scriptures , “Contend for the gospel as a jerk. ”
What I ’ m suggesting isn ’ t all that radical . As it
says in the Bible :
My dear brothers and sisters , take note of this :
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak
and slow to become angry , because human
anger does not produce the righteousness that
God desires . ( James 1 : 19 - 20 )

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and
clamor and slander be put away from you, along
with all malice. Be kind to one another,
tenderhearted , forgiving one another, as God in
Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4 : 26 - 27 ; 31 - 32)
This call is apropos to everyone, in my opinion ,
because if we’ re all honest with
ourselves , there’ s a little bit of “ jerk” within all of
us , right ?

We don ’ t have to be mean spirited . We don ’ t
need to pummel someone down into
submission .

Or in other words , while I do indeed appreciate
the value and importance of theology and
doctrine , I would suggest that what will
fascinate people to consider the gospel of Christ
will ultimately be how we live our lives .

The Holy Spirit will convict and change . May our
lives simply testify and point to the truth and
gospel of Christ."