Apostasy?

Apostasy

Apostasy is like a living disease – a viral thing that just won’t die out. We are constantly warned against apostasy which is the preaching and the practice of non-Biblical Christianity. The trouble is that it can be rather like a dose of the flu’ – it spreads easily and rapidly and creates havoc everywhere it is allowed to take root. There are a fair few examples of real apostasy, Chrislam being one and Mormonism being another. One example, often cited as apostate but which is definitely NOT apostasy, is a church’s choice of Bible translation – non use of the KJV is not apostasy it’s simply a difference of opinion.

There are one or two examples of apostasy, however, that are simply ignored and brushed away. Talking about His followers, Jesus said that, “By their fruit shall you know them.” Galations 5:22-24 tells us, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.  And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. “ Many who criticise or condemn or shun their fellow Christians, do so with not one of these fruits showing anywhere. They walk and live in hatred of any who disagree with them.

They break God’s heart.

As we approach the end of this age, and all that it means for us as followers and disciples of Jesus Christ, can we not start displaying a little long-suffering and tolerance. Can we not display a little love towards each other – particularly those with whom we disagree on some remote theological point. Whatever happened to “Love one another, even as I have loved you.”

Before we launch into yet another tirade of abuse at those who disagree with us, can we not stop and consider, just for a moment, “where is my love for my brothers and sisters?” We cause real problems when we don’t stop and think; when we fire straight from the hip. Others will be influenced by our words and actions and, before we know it, we have a viral infection in the church ranks. We bring no glory to God through this and we turn people away from our faith by our attitudes. The church has enough real apostasy to deal with without us adding to the list by our hasty judgements and ill-conceived theological assumptions.

Our faith is based upon God’s love and commitment to the world. Can we let our own love and commitment at least try to measure up to His, rather than standing in stark contrast.