Christlike - Part 3
Now we conclude this writing with Part 3. Picking up where we left off ....
And more, as believers, we are to love each other and support each other and correct each other, though in the proper manner, 1st John 4:7; 2nd Thessalonians 3:15. This is the Christian love ethic properly called “agape.”
“Charity” is the English word from the Greek word “agape.” It is the subject of 1st Corinthians 13, not the substituted word “love” erroneously used and placed, again, in most new versions of the Bible today. Charity is that “love” which, as Christians, we are to exhibit. “Love” is a poor substitute being only a part of “charity.” It is a proper study in itself as it means much more than just social love.
Social “love,” which occupies the Church today, is just a hug or a handshake and a “glad you’re here.” Many times, there is no salvation message from the pulpit. And after that, just a smile and a “hope you’ll come back,” and maybe a free meal.
“Charity,” the real message of love, is missing in the Church today. It should include a message of salvation and a call to repentance. It should ignore personal affronts and correct errant ones as the situation requires. And it should be a close walk of assistance with all when needed, Ephesians 4:1-3.
The misinterpreted, substitute word “love” does not fit the bill as it looks past Biblical issues, and thereby allows and agrees with, the errant ways of others. And here we can see an example of the effects if we look at our criminal justice system. Crime continues to increase because there is no fear of retribution. Charity must include a message of repentance, not one of acceptance. “Come as you are” is a great invitation to the lost. “Stay as you are” is a poor substitute for salvation and repentance. And repentance includes saved folks, especially the self righteous.
And here we have to be careful. When intervening in others lives, our purpose, personal deportment and ability must be examined before we make input because double standards are opportunity killers. Next, we must stay within our “gifts,” our expertise given by the Holy Spirit in dealing with folks. Then we must find the proper words, place and time to make our input, when called for. Paul stepped hard on Peter in Galatians 4, but that was in his early days following conversion. Later, after many personal trials, Paul was able to say “forgive me” to folks, for his earlier bruskness, 2nd Corinthians 2.
Let’s be careful not to be like some others who will have a smiley face with a correcting word accompanied by a “holier than thou” presentment with which to condemn others for our actions. It corrects nothing and will probably cause more discontent. But it sure makes these folks with shiny halos, these groups, these cliques feel good and proper and virtuous, and Christlike.
In this world I will never accomplish being “Christlike,” but I’ll keep working at it though I am sure it won’t happen this side of Heaven.
Nope, I am not Christlike. Wish I was!