When the world is watching, what do they see?
A horrific tragedy took place Jan. 8. A lone gunman killed six innocent people and wounded 13 others at a Tucson, Ariz., shopping mall while attempting to assassinate Congresswomen Gabrielle Giffords. During the next few days, as the world was watching, people were struggling for answers while others were looking to place blame. We saw the best in humanity, where many turned to God and prayer, and we witnessed the worst.
The Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church is an independent Baptist church and hate group, known for its hatred of homosexuals, the government and all other religious faiths. This group planned to protest at the funeral of the youngest shooting victim, 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green. Pastor Fred Phelps, in a YouTube video, thanked God for the violent shooter and made the claim that he was appointed by God to bring vengeance on this evil nation.
How could someone who claims to be a Christian (Christ-like-ones) use God to justify hate and condone such atrocities? Is he a nut or is he God’s instrument? Is he mad or is he making God’s point? Is he a prophet or seeking to make a profit? Well, I am glad you asked. Let’s go to the Good Book to see what God says on this matter.
The prophet Jeremiah said: “Then the LORD said to me, ‘The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds’” (Jer.14:14).
Jesus said:
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matt.7:15-21).
The apostle Paul describes the “fruit” or character of a faithful Christian:
“But the fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy and peace. It is being patient, kind and good. It is being faithful and gentle and having control of oneself. There is no law against things of that kind” (Gal. 5:22-23).
Jesus offered living water to satisfy the thirsty soul of a promiscuous woman who was only searching for love (Jn.4:1-26). Jesus touched the flesh of a leper in order to reach his heart when others sought to avoid him at all costs (Mt.8:1-4). Jesus shielded a woman caught in adultery from the stones of slander and condemnation that come from the religious bullies (Jn.8:1-11). Jesus offered a wealthy man, whose money couldn’t buy contentment, true peace and fulfillment (Lk.18:18-30).
Jesus loved the sinner but did not make allowance for sin (Jn.8:11). Jesus gave his life that we might gain eternal life (Jn.15:13).
I surely don’t see these practices in the protests of Westboro Baptist Church or in the rantings of their pastor. While the world is still looking for answers and hope during these difficult times, let’s give them something to really talk about. May they see the true love of Jesus through us, not by our words but by our actions.
See you in church.
Stan Florez is the senior pastor of Church Club1 and a chaplain of East Pierce Fire and Rescue. For more information go to Club1.com. or e-mail him at Rev@Club1.com.
