Making the Christ-like choices
It’s mind-bogglingly easy to discern if the choices we make… if the opinions and policies we support are in line with Christ’s teachings. Rather than relying on some manipulated words from self-interested political creatures who style themselves as leaders – modern day Pharisees and Sadducees – ask yourself, “Was Christ ever cruel?” I defy anyone to find one example anywhere of systemic cruelty from Christ! Then, ask yourself about the issue at hand, “Is this cruel?” More specifically, is this choice, idea, opinion, or policy cruel?”
No one believes kindness is wrong. We all believe cruelty is evil. It doesn’t matter what decision… It doesn’t matter which choice… It doesn’t matter what kind of ideology… It doesn’t matter which religion or if there’s a lack of religion… It doesn’t matter if your left leaning or right leaning. It doesn’t matter whether your Republican or Democrat or Green Party or Libertarian or Socialist or Independent. It doesn’t matter if your conservative or unaffiliated or liberal or progressive. None of it matters when making a choice – any choice… any decision… any policy.
It’s a very clear litmus test: Is this cruel? Ask the question when the choice is presented. Ask the question when the choice is decided. Is this cruel? If the answer is yes, then the choice and the decision are wrong.
Is it cruel? It is that simple.
There are ample verses of the words of Jesus and of Scriptures in the New Testament guiding us as Followers of Christ. The guidance is there for all to read – it’s clear and undeniable. It comes down to one word – that word is “LOVE.” So, ask yourself another question, “Does this choice express Christ’s love?”
Following are some of those passages of New Testament Scriptures:
CEB Markk 12:28 “…Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus replied, "The most important one is… Our God is the one Lord, 30 and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 31 The second is this, You will love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these."John 14:15 [Jesus said] “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 20…you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them."
John 15:10 [Jesus said] "If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy will be in you and your joy will be complete. 12 This is my commandment: love each other just as I have loved you.”
Romans 12:9 Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. 10 Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. 16 Consider everyone as equal, and don't think that you're better than anyone else. Instead, associate with people who have no status. Don’t think that you're so smart… 18 If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. 20 …If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink.
Romans 13:9 The commandments, Don't commit adultery, don't murder, don't steal, don't desire what others have, and any other commandments, are all summed up in one word: You must love your neighbor as yourself. 10 Love doesn't do anything wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is what fulfills the Law.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against things like this.
I Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn't arrogant, 5 it isn't rude, it doesn't seek its own advantage, it isn't irritable, it doesn't keep a record of complaints, 6 it isn't happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth… 13 Now faith, hope, and love remain—these three things—and the greatest of these is love.
