The Difference between Darkness and Light

I had a very interesting message on my facebook wall the other day. As most of you know, I’ve seen and got a picture taken by the Taj. Okay…ever American tourist who has been to see this work has a picture of them “pulling up” the Taj. But this message was not about me, but about my view on religion. As the message was something of the sort “Since you’re a Christian, it is disrespectful of you to stand in front of a heathen monument.” I prayed and the Lord led me to this….

“Well actually, it's because of my Christian views that I can fully respect the Muslim work such as the Taj, the story and the religion. My view on Religion makes no difference on how I look upon work like the Taj. To call such a thing heathen would limit and restrict my views on True Biblical Christianity and make me just like every other limited, narrow minded, and blind Western Christian that doesn't view work like this as a means of grace from the True God. This does not say I think Islam is right, by no means do I think that, what I am saying is that most Western Christians have the mind set of labeling and limiting God by not showing respect and calling things as such heathen and not allowing Christ to be represented to a lost and dying world. We have too many "christians" today pointing fingers at heathen things and NOT acting like Christ about it. In view of scripture is that Christian? Paul said "I'm all things to all people. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23." Same way with Hinduism, I respect their views and to be honest most Hindus are more spiritual then most Western "christians". In India I would not touch or try to move a cow, or step in the wrong spot on a boat because I paid my respects to their thought on religion and their god(s).This in fact sets apart those who are and those who think they are Christian. Their view on world religion and their own. These are not my words but it's Biblical. I'm not speaking about universalism, because scripture is clear that Christ is the only way, but I'm speaking about allowing Christ to pour out to cause men to repent and believe the Gospel of Christ. Acts speaks about that. Paul says it's not by His words that men are saved but he knowing Christ died and rose again that gives Him the ability to speak. No doubt Muslims, Hindus, Satanist, Atheists, are all going to hell unless they repent and believe, but actually we all are, doesn't matter how you label yourself and what name you fall under. It's not my job to stand and yell at everyone to "turn or burn" but it is to speak the Gospel with humility and grace the best way I can through the power of the Holy Spirit in hopes God will gives grace to those who will believe the Truth. The fact is, scripture says people will turn to their own ways (Isaiah 53:6) and I can not help that, and to call things heathen is the right way to look at things of this world and all the workings of Satan but doesn't allow me to place myself above them on this world in anyway because once I do that, it takes the grace and mercy away from the One who gave it in the first place. But because I'm saved, it allows me to have the righteousness of Christ that all men will need on Judgment Day. But if they do not repent and truth the Savior their eternity is literally Hell. In fact I'm called to love them with all my heart and pray they will be saved from the bondage of sin and the hand of Satan. Narrow is the path that leads to Life, not narrow-mindedness and someone’s limited view on humanity. I pray this explains why I love Muslims and caused me to want a picture with the Taj.”

I’ve been thinking about un saved people and their view of Christianity. I remember not wanting to be like them, or having a judgmental attitude about the world. I didn’t want to look down upon someone who wasn’t a Christian. But once God saved me, I didn’t have that thought of myself being better than anyone else. Actually I was once an enemy of the Cross as well. I have no reason to look down upon someone just because they are not a Christian…but…but but but….I must not neglect sound Biblical truth.

Regardless of Muslims, Hindus, Witches, Agnostic, or Evolutionist. We must proclaim the truth with humility and grace. Not going out of our way to offend or make ourselves look higher than others. Like I said in the email, the only thing that matters is that you have the Righteousness of Christ. For those in Him, you do. For those who aren’t, they need to repent and believe.

7 Therefore do not be partakers with them;
8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light
9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),
10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;
12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.
13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
14 For this reason it says,
Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you."
- Ephesians 5:7-14