One thing that seems to be lacking in the world today...particularly in the Church...is consistency. When I look at the actions and opinions of many in the Church in comparison to the principles and specific directions found in scripture, I often find myself scratching my head. Now, none of us are perfect by any means. We all...especially me...sin and mess up every single day. What I'm talking about here is the flagrant inconsistency in ones actions...a conscious decision in many cases to separate life from faith.
One really obvious area of inconsistency we see is in politics. I am always amazed to see or hear about a person of faith...a Christian...who holds opinions that are in opposition to their faith. Very often, this is someone who identifies themselves as "Democrat" or "Liberal". However, there are many who consider themselves "Conservative" who are equally inconsistent. I realize I'll be using some broad brushes here, but bear with me if you will.
In general, a politically liberal agenda includes support of abortion. It is completely accepting of a "if it feels good, do it" mentality by negating the sanctity of marriage and with the open acceptance of homosexuality, cohabitation, promiscuous sex, and the like.
Scripture is clear regarding sanctity of life and sexual abstinence except within the confines of marriage...which is clearly defined as the union of one man and one woman. In these most basic areas, then, to be a social liberal (currently associated primarily with "Democrat"), one must necessarily maintain beliefs in direct opposition to God.
We could discuss economic ideology along the same lines. Liberal economics very often include the idea of higher taxes, more spending, and larger government controlling welfare and other programs. These ideas are geared toward governmental control of larger populations under the guise of providing "help", or "support" to the poor. Isn't care for the poor more a task for the Church than for the government? Sure...you can argue that if the Church were effective in this area the government wouldn't have to do it. Perhaps that's true...but until the government reduces its size and consequently its need to be fed massive amounts of cash (removing it from the pockets of the people), there isn't much opportunity for the Church to step up.
Alarmingly, more and more people who identify themselves as "Conservative" are exhibiting many of these same values...or at least an apathy or passive acceptance of them. It's very sad that, very often today, the Church doesn't share God's ideas and values.
What does this inconsistency look like in every day life? Obviously, the candidates in an election that a believer supports can reveal tremendous inconsistency. It can be seen on Facebook or Myspace sites in the groups joined, or just in the language used. It is apparent in day to day life in the choices made and how activities are prioritized. Statistics of the numbers of instances of adultery, unwed pregnancy, pornography use, etc... in the Church reveal inconsistency vividly.
Now...I don't pretend to never exhibit any inconsistency. It is an area, though, that I pay very close attention to. If, as a child of the Living God, I want my life to reflect Him when others look at me, I must be as consistent with God's view as humanly possible. To place my opinions above His is to elevate myself above God. I urge all believers to examine themselves and reconcile themselves to God's ideology in any area found to be in opposition. This is being a follower of God.
Blessings to you all,
Ron
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