April 20, 2009Be kind, compassionate, understanding and caring are some of the most common statements that we hear as part of the foundations for a good relationship. Rightfully so and good advice that seems to be misunderstood especially when it is transmitted from a standpoint of manipulation. We should also be strong, direct, truthful and powerful in demonstrating our unwavering authority.
Let's take Christ in many of His interactions with others as an example. We cannot argue that Christ was the embodiment of kindness, gentleness, patience and self-control. He also is the TRUTH. We tend to dismiss many of His straight shooting remarks and actions as permissible because He was the Messiah. Nothing that Christ did should be dismissed. In today's terms, He called the Samaritan woman at the well a prostitute. He told Peter His loving disciple that he was being a lair in saying that he would never deny Him. He confronted the religious leaders of His time and refused to answer their questions before they answered His. He also called them white washed tombs and sons of the devil. Wow! Can you say Rude Dude! Where was the kind, compassionate-can't we all just get along-Jesus that we all here about? You see, sometimes, kindness is harsh and compassion is deadly. The intentions and message are what we should focus on. To give life by getting rid of that which hinders us requires emotional surgery that is performed through confrontation. Unfortunately, most of society lives for the end results of having it their way. Christ definitely was not supporting our ways but attempted to show us His way and even said He was the Way.
Today's culture is too concerned with the here and now. The "what is in it for me" attitude and being politically correct in order not to offend others, while climbing the ladder of success are the intentions behind most of society's actions. The homosexual community has moved their agenda of unnatural sexual relations from the unspeakable to the almost acceptable in just one generation. That accomplishment did not occur with their concern of being politically correct or concerned with offending others. They moved forward with their beliefs and have been relentless in telling the world that they are here and queer and there is nothing you can do about it. Acceptance of a lie does not make it true and should never be tolerated. Determining what is truth is the key. Some think if you can convince enough people that it is okay then maybe it will make it right. I think not. We need to be kind, compassionate, understanding and caring. We also need to never accept the inappropriate or unacceptable. We need to be peacefully confrontational and always speak the truth in love. Men especially have been entrusted with the leadership role of fighting for their families' future and leaving a legacy of integrity and honor-not as sissies or scary little patsies that have been effeminized by a culture of weakening authority. In God's Word you always see angels depicted as men of authority.
In Genesis, God gave man dominion and commanded him not to eat of the tree. He later made for man a perfect helper in creating woman. Christ is the head of man and men are the heads of their families. Men are and will be held accountable for their families. They are to be warriors and die as Christ died. The Lord is a warrior the Lord is his name, Exodus 15:3. Sadly most men seem to be doing a poor job. They need to be like Christ and every now and then have people think they are a Rude Dude. If your intentions are of spreading truth, showing the way and giving life to others then your motives will be known. Remember the end result should be your motivation. Having others mistakenly perceive you as confrontational should not be the concern, unless you are selling them a lie and are being a hypocrite.
The truth hurts and Christ said I am the way, the life and the truth. No pain no gain.