I’ve got a bone to pick with you.

Every time I say something, write something, or post something on Facebook or Twitter, you are offended by it, and go out of your way to make that known to the whole world.

If I post an article that talks about how another famous religious person lied or stumbled, you respond with a “he’s three times the man you will ever be!”

If I post a humorous cartoon, you immediately search for the negatives in it and judge me as a person despite the fact I have proven myself hundreds of times over.

If I challenge your works-based religious traditions that you have held dearly since you were a child (even though they aren’t supported by Scripture) you respond with a “you don’t have the Holy Spirit” or “something is wrong with you because you don’t see it my way!”

Every-single-time that I make a comment that goes against your perfect, infallible knowledge you inform me that “the truth is not in me” and that I am a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”.

Well this wolf has had enough.

For some reason there are Christians who can’t handle any criticism.  They consider their faith to be “off limits” to any and all criticism from both Christians and the world alike.

This isn’t just an issue about faith either.  Within Christianity there are mass amounts of people who label anyone who holds a different view of the Bible as “liberal” “worldly” “wolves”  “sinners” “stupid”  etc.

For many Christians, pastors, evangelists, and prophets are off limits too.  If an evangelist makes an outrageous claim that practically demands an investigation, the investigator is considered to be “divisive” “disingenuous” or on some sort of secret self glorifying mission.

But think about this, what if that person’s mission is inspired by the motive of helping you? What if that mission is to help you discover the truth? What if that mission is used by God to bring you (or others) into the Kingdom? What if that mission is to help you think with your head instead of your heart?

What if that mission provides you with the information necessary to discover who Jesus really is so that your life might change for the better, forever?

1) It is OK to seek the truth.  Jesus said “But seek first the kingdom of God”. Matthew 6:33.  You didn’t inherit the Kingdom of God because your parents are Christians, and you grew up in a church.  You didn’t receive the Kingdom of God because you obeyed your churches policies and managed to stay out of the spotlight.  To enter the Kingdom, you must investigate (seek) the truth on your own.  You must believe the Gospel on your own.  It wasn’t the story of some fancy evangelist that got you into the Kingdom.

Evangelists are sinners just like you.  It wasn’t your pastors 10 year sentence at a Siberian prison camp that placed you in the Kingdom either.  It wasn’t Arminian theology, Calvinism, or Joyce Meyers latest and greatest book that got you into the Kingdom.  It’s your belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that places you into the Kingdom of God. You asked tough questions and when you found the answers you believed!

It is OK to ask questions about what you believe.  It is OK for others to disagree with you. It is OK when people ask you tough questions.  At the end of the day one truth will always remain true, that Jesus saves!

2) You don’t have to freak out when you find out someone doesn’t agree with you.  There is no need to call someone a name because they disagree with you.  There is no need to accuse someone of working “against God” because they hold an opinion that you don’t hold.  There is no need to launch a personal attack (off the topic) when someone challenges you.

Find ways to accept the opinions and views of others.  No one holds a perfect view on everything.  There are things that you believe that simply aren’t true.  How would you feel if someone attacked you, called you names, made fun of your family, or grew increasingly hostile towards everything you write or say just because of one thing you believe?

So the next time someone says/writes/posts something that you don’t agree with, resist the urge to call them names as they may be on to something (and have the motive to help you).

Even if you have legitimate reasons for your disagreements, it is best to approach a brother in private with your concerns instead of launching a character assassination in the public forum.

Now that I have that off my chest, read this verse and consider whether or not you are living it out:

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,  for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior” 1 Timothy 2:1-3