Offended!
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
( Matt 24:9-14, KJV)
“Happy Holidays!” A rebel flag. A Christian flag. A plain, red holiday coffee cup. Race. This is just a short list of things people have been offended about in the last few months. The list is in no way exhaustive. We are having an epidemic of offense in America! And in the church.
In this passage of Scripture, Jesus had been asked to tell what would be the sign of His coming and the end of the age. He spoke of persecution, offense, betrayal, hatred, deception, apostasy (a falling away of people from their faith) and false prophets. These are all indicators of the times we are living in. And of the soon return of Christ!
All of those are important concepts. But today, verse 10 is on my heart, ” And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” This is a sad commentary on society. But one that was foretold. People certainly do have a lack of loyalty to one another and hatred is quick to spew forth. It is troubling to see how vicious people can be. And even to those of their own country or faith.
People have jokingly referred to 2015 as the year that people were offended about everything. Verse 10 speaks of many being offended, and indeed they are… but… just because the Bible says that is going to be true, does not negate our responsibility to avoid purposefully causing offense. Spitefully wishing someone a “Merry Christmas” is hardly Christian. If we utter these words, it should be because we are excited about what Christmas means and want to share the love and goodwill with others.
Posting things on social media that says, I’m sorry if this offends you but, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” Is hardly trying to win the lost to the Lord. Jesus is not the banner under which we go out and mistreat people! Ridicule does not woo people. Rudeness does not win them!
If Jesus walked the face of the Earth today, I doubt he would crusade about a lot of things that we take up as causes. I sincerely believe Jesus would have done exactly what he told us to do-
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. (Mark 16:15, NIV)
Jesus is the Good News! He is the good tidings of great joy! Proclaim Him by having compassion on orphans and widows. Feed the hungry. Love the unlovely. Pray for Godly leaders. Pray conviction on the Godless. Preach. Love. Offend only when obedience or Scripture require it!
Dear Lord, I pray for a spirit of discernment and wisdom to come upon Your children. Help us to speak what you would have us to speak and anoint us to behave in accord with Your will, Your Word, and Your purpose. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen!
thanks for sharing.
It is true that people get bend out of shape for the wrong reason. We need to chose our battles, but always with love and humility.
Beautiful and so true!
I’m like,….. WOW. This is spot on and NEEDED!!!!! OH yes–by so many–and reminds ME to guard what I say–examine it…see if it will uplift and glorify GOD–or cause HIM shame….
Love you friend….and love your heart and gifts that bring God such joy and glory!
This is such a good read. We all get so distracted with life happening around us that we forget our purpose and the goal at stake. We all have too many lost loved ones to get caught up in the trivial things.