by Jim Gordon
In these days of so many tragedies it is easy to start posting articles on social media about what needs to be done. I have tried to stay away from political postings and personal views on hot topics of the day. The few times I did make a comment it made we wish I had not.
Everyone has an opinion, and usually when it comes to the major issues going on in the news, posting your thoughts only bring about arguments and misunderstandings. I have found it best to stay away from posting personal views online.
In regard to the school shootings we all have an idea of what needs to be done. Those ideas vary widely from one end of the spectrum to the other. The main point I have found is that we all want to end the senseless killing of innocent people. How we go about that is very widely disputed and argued, so I do not want to go any further with that idea.
For me the main topic I enjoy writing about is the love of God and the love we are to have for one another.
Bad things are going to happen in this world, and there are plenty of people who will write and discuss such things. I do not feel I need to be another voice talking about the negative, terrible events that go on in our world. It is good that some people do write about this so we are all informed, but I do not feel the calling to do so.
I would rather write and hear about how people support one another, care and respect one another and build each other up in a world that many times has such a negative attitude.
I certainly do not have the answers to bring an end to tragedy, hate and unacceptance. I do believe that love and accepting others will have a more positive effect.
As a believer in God, I do not think it is my job to push my beliefs on others but I do think it is my calling to love people. All people, not just those who think like me or believe like me. Jesus said to love God and love your neighbor. I believe my neighbor is every person I come in contact with throughout my life.
To me being a christian means loving God and loving people. It is not going to a building once a week, it is not following religious rules, it is not pointing out the sins and mistakes of others or standing my ground on my interpretation of christian beliefs.
Being a christian is being a follower of the example of the life of Jesus. He loved people and showed the love and acceptance of his father to a world that did not know real love. That is what we, as his followers are to do today. Show the unconditional love of our father to all people no matter what label is placed upon them.
We have enough tragedy, unacceptance and hatred in our world. It is time we look past our differences, stop pushing our religious rules and interpretations and let the love of God touch the people we have contact with each and every day.
Hey Jem, you are not the fool. You were right in that we are to stand for what Jesus taught and for godly living. Sometimes the situation does not have a set ‘right or wrong’ and there are so many different views it is not wise to get involved with the discussion. There are still things we can do but getting into arguments and disagreements does not help the matter. I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment on my articles. It is much appreciated.
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Thanks for your response, Jim. I really appreciate your blog and I’m sure you are wise in your decisions. I’m reminded of the quote “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” I think I’m the fool and you are an angel. Lol.
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Thanks Jem, I do get what you are saying. There are topics I say what I think and I usually point out that it is my opinion. Yet in some instances such as school shootings and gun control, there are such a wide variety of views and opinions. It seems we all want the killing to end but we all have strong feelings on what should or should not be done. I have found we will not all agree on this and stating a personal opinion only causes arguments and disagreements. In this case I choose to avoid the controversy. There are other topics that are more about christian living and following Christ by loving others that I do definitely take a stand even when not popular. Thanks so much for posting your comment. I appreciate it.
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While I do respect this view, I do also wonder if it’s not also a bit of a cop out to avoid making a stand on important issues. You do have a public voice and to avoid making it known what your views are on current topics of deep concern is really walking that line of tolerance to the extreme where you end up having no voice at all. Jesus was not afraid to make a stand against malpractice, religious bigotry and misplaced faith and we should not either.
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