by Ricky Doc Sauceda
I shared with a young collegian today how to steer his life. He is "on the fence" in life. I explained those who condemn the Bible have not read it. Also, those who are fanatical have not read it. I told him if you read the Bible you will find it doesn't condemn itself. It doesn't promote fanaticism. It promotes love.
Mark 12:30-31 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
I told him that our example is Jesus, who ate and drank with unsavory people which society looked down upon. In those moments Jesus did not condemn anyone - he edified them with love. The young man thanked me for giving him the best "deep talk" he has had in a very long time.
Mark 2:16 - When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
You know why I edified the young man, right? I didn't dare chastise him, I "built him up." Edify means to build up, not tear down. It is work that needs to be done, not just posted for "points."
2 Thessalonians 3:10 - For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."
That young man has a true image of Christ to look at now. He has a chance of SALVATION. It is my understanding of what the young man was unaware of that caused me to be 'careful.' You cannot 'sit on the fence.' It just won't do.
Revelation 21:8 - But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you - always.