The goal of this blog page has never been to degrade or demean.  I pray what you’re about to read isn’t viewed as such as it would completely undermine the entire message of this submission.  That being said, I can’t justify sitting back any longer without saying something to my brothers and sisters in Christ.  I find myself shaking my head in disappointment almost daily because of the things being said around me.  The conversations, my Facebook feed, the local news channels, and more are covered with hateful venom every single day.  The sad part is most of this same venom is coming from Christians.  Sometimes I just want to tell people to ‘shut-up.’  I know, I know—Momma said that isn’t a nice word but it sums up how I genuinely feel.  Here’s what bothers me most.  We can’t control how the world is going to act but, personally, I expect more from Christians.  My heart aches at the sad state of our world but what frustrates me more is the fact many feel their Christianity is something they can flaunt as a free pass to judge everyone else for their shortcomings.  When did it become okay for Christians to judge the unsaved……or anyone for that matter?  Let me give you an example.  Unless you’ve had no access to any form of media lately you’re aware a well-known gold medal winning male Olympian has made the decision to identify as a female.  I have sat back and watched as many have praised him while others have crucified him.  Again, much of the venom is coming from the mouths of Christians.  Do I agree with this man’s choice and/or lifestyle?  Absolutely not.  Does that mean I’m going to attempt to beat him over the head with the Bible?  Nope.  Putting myself in a place as judge and jury doesn’t make me any better than anyone else.  Many souls have been lost to hell because well-meaning Christian’s of today and yester-year couldn’t learn when to speak the truth in love and when to shut their mouths.  We can agree to disagree and still be respectful.  We can love without condoning.  The Bible never said, “Only love those whose lifestyles and opinions you agree with.”  We are told to, “…love our neighbor as ourselves.”  Never once did God place stipulations.

Matthew 7:1-3 [NIV] states, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.  Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”  ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God.  We are flawed individuals and have to remind ourselves we too are sinners.  By being judgmental of others you too are sinning.  There are no differing levels of sin– sin is sin– except for the unforgivable blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.  It’s all the same in God’s eyes.  If not for the grace of God we too could be involving ourselves in many of the activities we find so repulsive of others.  No doubt some Christians already involve themselves in many of these same questionable activities– though that’s a blog for another day.  Those around us won’t be drawn to Christ because of legalism or brow-beating.  As Christians, we can’t prevent grown adults from making terrible decisions.  But we can choose to be waiting with open arms to help them pick up the pieces and point them to a loving, merciful, and gracious God.  None of us have the right to ‘cast stones.’  We are all sinners.  John 12:32 states, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”  NEWS FLASH:  God isn’t asking for our opinions on current events.  His word speaks for itself.  If he had the ability to create the universe simply by speaking, I think His word can speak for Him on current issues.  From one Christian to another, if you claim to be Christian — act like it.  If your actions and words are bringing more reproach than glory to His name it’s time to step back and deal with your own heart issues.  I hate to say it but, some Christians need to shut-up.