The Standard

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16

A Florida pastor (of murky doctrinal stance) is making international news by declaring that he will be holding a "Quran burning" on September 11. I can't think of much of anything more contradictory to Christian principles than this. He violates two commands in this one verse by being neither wise nor harmless. This...activity WILL cost lives. It WILL stir up strife. It WILL further the cause of radical Islam and hinder the cause of Christ. The act itself is foolish and pointless. The spirit behind it is purely sinful. Christ teaches us to be loving and kind and longsuffering and patient and forgiving. Anger, vengeance, spite, mockery...these are traits in direct contradiction to the way of Christ. Now, this may seem like a rant up to now...and it kind've has been. But there's a bigger point.

I'm disturbed by the number of professing Christians who are not opposed to this pastor's actions and attitude. They defend it by saying he has the right as an American citizen to demonstrate in this way..."and, besides, they're burning Bibles and American flags." True. And true. But neither of those facts defend this deed. First, having a right to do something doesn't make it right to do. Exercising his right to do this will get people killed, probably on several continents. That's irresponsible, foolish, and self-serving. And that makes it wrong. Second, Christ repeatedly taught us to NOT repay those who mistreat and abuse us in kind. We, as individuals, are to be merciful and leave the vengeance to God. That makes the spirit of this whole mess innately un-Christian. Let's keep in mind that we're not supposed to live up to the standard set by radical Islam or any other religion or creed, but the one set by Christ. Let's be careful to whom we compare ourselves.