I know what you’re thinking. Are you some kind of hater? Don’t you know Christians should be loving and non-judgmental?
Now don’t ya’ll get your panties in a wad. I’ll explain.
I’m not targeting gays or liberals or fundamentalists, or any other groups taking potshots at each other. This is not about those arguments.
I’m simply reflecting on Scripture passages that give us some relational limits — all from the New Testament, by the way.
Here’s the thing: We love the idea of being gracious and inclusive. But in a culture that shouts, “Don’t judge!” and insists there are no absolutes, are we courageous enough to draw the lines where God tells us to?
Did you know there are certain believers we should treat as though they haven’t been converted? People we should warn, and then avoid? Those we should not associate with, not even to have a meal with them?
Did you know there are people we should rebuke severely, and not welcome into our homes or give our blessing? Those we are to stay away from, and have nothing to do with?
I don’t recall ever hearing a sermon on this stuff, but it’s right there in the Book.
God knows how to draw healthy boundary lines for his kids, so me thinks we should pay attention.
So who are the people requiring such extreme measures?
Here are a few references — and the list is by no means comprehensive. I’ve noted how we are to respond:
-
Matt 18:15, 17: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault … and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”
-
Romans 16:17-18: “… watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”
-
2 Thessalonians 3:6: “Now we command you brothers. that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.”
-
2 Timothy 3:2-5: “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”
-
Titus 1:10-11: “For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers … They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.”
-
Titus 3:10: “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him.”
-
2 John 1:9-11: “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God … If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.”
These are people we should not be inviting over for a barbeque.
Some people claim to know Christ and follow him, yet in reality they serve themselves. They refuse to change, teach lies about God, and lead others astray.
We are commanded not to enable such behavior. For their sake and ours, we must exercise tough love.
And while we’re at it, let’s make sure we’re not the guy who shouldn’t be invited to the barbeque.
To comment, click on title.
