Support Or Ministry? Discernment Or Disaster?

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There may well be a difference between supporting someone and being a friend or seeing something as ministry.

First, let me say, here in the United States I appreciate our Constitution and in particular the First Amendment. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.That allows for me and you to write or say pretty much anything we want. With few limitations (Yelling “fire” in a crowded building will get you arrested!) you can say or do whatever you want, whether I agree with it or not. And I respect your right to do so. I know it currently irritates many and various people want to “shut” down radio, TV and bloggers. BUT-Free speech is free speech.

Only yesterday the courts decided you “liking” something on Facebook was free speech. People had been fired over clicking a “like” button as it was not considered by their superiors “free speech.” It is now.

In the world of Christianity we often run into a debate over should we boycott or not boycott. (I think I should not join a boycott.) Should we go to a particularly business or not. Should we talk to the unbeliever.

So, I am going to take a position. My personal position. My opinion.

I will never reach the lost unless I touch them. Example-I have lots of friends who have come out of strip joints, porn industry and prostitution. I want them to be reached. Saved. You would agree with them being saved. On the other hand you might be disturbed were you to find out that I not only reached the lost, but supported their porn movies they starred in. Or went to see them strip. That is a liberty in grace one might exercise. HOWEVER was I to be supporting their behavior in my mind by throwing money after it just keeps the train going.

I used that far out example to get you to think about some things. Do your dollars thrown into businesses that work against your values benefit you or your children? We have had much controversy over places like Starbucks or Dick’s Sporting over things like guns and values towards believers. Christians have staged boycotts and had their arms up.

There are few things I care about that fall outside “kingdom” but one of them is education. The internet has proven to be a two edged sword, but it is here. It has caused everything to be faster, speedier and exacerbated a mind set of “microwave” thinking. Few people do the research. Lately I have watched what I can only describe as a new wave of covert education and deception.

First, if you want to spend money or throw your support at people that destroy your lives or ruin the quality of life for your children, that is your choice. I am okay with that. I am less concerned about what you support or do not support and more concerned with “how you get there.”

Lately there has been a series of websites that have jumped up on my radar screen. They put enough “good information” out there to get people hooked while slowly sowing their method of thinking.

  • For years I watched TED TV. So did many of my friends. But lately they jumped on the Monsanto bandwagon and so I wonder if my friends will continue to build their web statistics, increase their advertising revenue and the like.
  • Many struggle with the loss of their information, but press google to get information. It is all being collected.
  • How about the recent advances of Upworthy? Ever read who they are? AFL-CIO. People who brought their support to the Affordable Care Act.

Those are just a few. Add in the misquotes, deception of Core Education (Follow the second amendment errors.) and you have your hands full.

My answer. Trust in the Lord. Ask Him. Seek Him. (The Bible tells us we won’t get honor if we don’t get humble.)

Ministry or friendship is different than supporting someone with money. I get grace. I understand it. At some point we just need to think.

If you read this and think I took a side, you missed it. If you think I am “anti” something you missed it. If you read this and realized I am saying recognize what is truth you are getting closer.

Discernment is where I am really headed. In the Old Testament it is described as understanding or intelligence. Insight or the faculty of understanding. Using discretion (freedom to choose) is a value Jesus gave us in Him. (Be wise as a serpent.) We are told to THINK-to REASON.

In the New Testament we find this; perception, not only by the senses but by the intellect, cognition, discernment, of moral discernment in ethical matters.

Jesus came not to bring us rules of conduct but the ability to think about our conduct and see it come to pass. That is the freedom we enjoy as a believer. He came to invite us in, not to a set of rules, but to an empowering relationship.

And as far as changing some of it…your time would be better spent contacting your government leaders than posting on Facebook. Faith without works is dead. Words without actions-just as dead.

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Written by Lee Johndrow

Lee Johndrow

Lee is the Senior Leader of Abundant Grace Fellowship Church in Keene, NH

He is the father of five wonderful children. Married for over 26 years to his wife Tina. Loving life with family, friends, faith, fun and food!


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