Whisky bottle and the Bible
“Sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whisky bottle in the hand of (another)....” Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird.
What Harper Lee wrote is to me, a Christian true. Through out the centuries we have seen the bible misused and abused by those claiming to be Christian.
If the truth be known it is probably one of the most misused books in history. People have used it to justify the crusades, slavery, and antisemitism. They have used it to condemn, rock and roll music, even Elvis’s gyrating hips.
Those claiming to be Christians have used the bible to judge and condemn anything they disagree with. Yet within it are two clear statements,’
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
The Apostle Paul writing,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
We as Christians are not allowed to judge non-Christians. We are to keep their own house clean.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
We cannot live at peace with anyone if we are constantly judging them and condemning them. We must live at peace with all people, presenting the gospel of Christ in a respectful way as God gives us the opportunity.
Only by living holy lives, lives that are acceptable to God are we able to reach those around us for Christ.
God has given every person on this earth complete freedom. That freedom extends to them living a life and lifestyle they wish. It extends to what they wish to believe even if it is contrary to what God wants. It even extends to them not believing in God. Christians have an obligation to respect this God given right.
Here’s something to think about.
A man with a Whisky bottle may get drunk. He may even die because of overindulgence in the contents of the bottle. Never the less he is only disgracing and injuring himself.
A man misusing the Bible brings disgrace not only on himself but on God, Christ, and other Christians.
Not only that his actions may turn people away from God and effect the eternal resting place of the non-Christians around him.
Please think about it.
“Sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whisky bottle in the hand of (another)....” Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird.
What Harper Lee wrote is to me, a Christian true. Through out the centuries we have seen the bible misused and abused by those claiming to be Christian.
If the truth be known it is probably one of the most misused books in history. People have used it to justify the crusades, slavery, and antisemitism. They have used it to condemn, rock and roll music, even Elvis’s gyrating hips.
Those claiming to be Christians have used the bible to judge and condemn anything they disagree with. Yet within it are two clear statements,’
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
The Apostle Paul writing,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
We as Christians are not allowed to judge non-Christians. We are to keep their own house clean.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
We cannot live at peace with anyone if we are constantly judging them and condemning them. We must live at peace with all people, presenting the gospel of Christ in a respectful way as God gives us the opportunity.
Only by living holy lives, lives that are acceptable to God are we able to reach those around us for Christ.
God has given every person on this earth complete freedom. That freedom extends to them living a life and lifestyle they wish. It extends to what they wish to believe even if it is contrary to what God wants. It even extends to them not believing in God. Christians have an obligation to respect this God given right.
Here’s something to think about.
A man with a Whisky bottle may get drunk. He may even die because of overindulgence in the contents of the bottle. Never the less he is only disgracing and injuring himself.
A man misusing the Bible brings disgrace not only on himself but on God, Christ, and other Christians.
Not only that his actions may turn people away from God and effect the eternal resting place of the non-Christians around him.
Please think about it.
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