In the last number of months perhaps even years I have heard an increasing amount of bible quoting coming from the mouths of politicians and political pundits. These noble souls have taken it upon themselves to educate a godless nation. From their lofty perch, they have scorned a cretinous and antiquated citizenry for their unrighteous conduct. We were told that illegal immigration is something that was close to the heart of Jesus. One politician, citing her extensive years in Sunday school, told us that Jesus said suffer the little children unto me. (Circa) This whole time we have been misinterpreting the thirteenth chapter of Romans and what Jesus actually meant in Luke 18:16. We were also informed that Jesus does not condemn homosexuality, He accepts and approves of all people no matter their sexual orientation. After hearing this many in the denominational world promptly changed their church’s policies, even the “vicar of God” changed his tune saying: “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?” (The Guardian) Once again, the enlightened ones showed us a better way. Where would we be without these avengers of righteousness, these defenders of justice, our own guardians of morality? Thank goodness they set us straight!
Who appointed these champions of right? Better still, who authorized them to redefine long-standing, yea eternal (1 Peter 1:25) Bible passages? These self-appointed protectors of piety claim their cause springs from a pure fountain of the best intentions when in reality it emanates from a cesspool of unrighteousness. Men and women like these have taken this elevated moral stance to further some personal or political agenda. This is utterly disgraceful and duplicitous and yet it’s nothing new. Certainly, there has no temptation taken anyone but that which is common to man (1 Corinthians 10:13). Satan twisted the Word of God to influence the first couple to commit sin. When informed by Eve of God’s mandate concerning the tree of good and evil (Genesis 3:1-2) Satan characterized himself as one who knew the real meaning behind the command and one who cared deeply for Adam and Eve’s prosperity. Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil,” Genesis 3:4-5.
In writing to the saints in Corinth, Paul elaborated on the method in which he and others have preached the Gospel. Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 4:1-2. (Emphases MS) The Greek words translated craftiness and deceitfully are respectively defined as follows:
CRAFTINESS: unscrupulousness; signifying the employment of any or all means necessary to realize an end. (Wordstudy)
DECEITFULNESS. To adulterate. Mixing human traditions with the pure word of the gospel (Wordstudy)
Paul and the rest of the apostles did not use the Word of God to realize their personal agendas, nor did they adulterate the Word of God for personal gain. Paul made these statements to show the contrast between him and the false teachers that were in the midst of the Church in Corinth. Just like many today, some were using God’s Word for nefarious ends. The apostle Peter also warned Christians against falling for the schemes of those who twist the Scriptures. (2 Peter 3:14-18). The Word of God can, will and has been used in various ways to promote a myriad of personal proclivities and ungodly activities.
Our self-imposed moral guardians care little for biblical authority and less for God’s Supremacy. The bible is a mere stepping stone to realize their personal agendas. Let us be sober and vigilant, let us call out these imposters of morality for what they are and rebuke them for what they do (Romans 16:17-18 & Ephesians 5:11). Let us also make sure that we do not indict ourselves with the same sins. May the Word preached from our lips be for the salvation of souls and the Glory of God (Romans 1:14-16 & Matthew 5:13-16) Moreover, let us remember there is but one Avenger of Righteousness, one Guardian of Morality, and His name is JEHOVAH.
Citations
Circa. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1877097325690317
Lizzie Davis, “Pope Francis signals openness towards gay priests”, in The Guardian, 29 July 2013
The Complete Wordstudy Dictionary. Computer Software: E-Sword, Version 11.0.6. 2016.