At the End

By: Wendy Duckworth Vance

Although you may have clicked on this link thinking that I was going to discuss some insight about the end times, I am not.  No, the end that I wish to discuss is the end of a pointing finger - judging others. It is something I have been reflecting on lately. Specifically, does the message of hellfire and brimstone reach people for Christ or does it push people away from us? Also is addressing people in a judgmental and self - righteous manner a Christ-like attitude?

Please do not misunderstand; I am not promoting the idea that we should embrace sin or stop calling sin out for what it is.  No, what I am discussing is the attitude and manner in which we go about it.   When I was in my undergraduate program at the University of Georgia, I remember a certain group that would come to campus from time to time.  They would hang banners days before their presentation. On these banners were drawings of flames, people falling into the flames, and the words “you are going to burn in hell”.  Then they would come to campus with their mics and amps and spend hours shouting at people.  They would scream about how God hates this and that and how this person and that person are going to burn in hell due to their sin.  There was no discussion of God’s love and mercy.  Nothing about His deep desire to restore a relationship with those He created. Just venom, hate, and anger.

Now while it is true that sin separates us from God and that none can enter Heaven without having their sins covered by the blood of Yeshua, the perfect atonement, being covered does not give us the right to execute judgment upon the world.  And judgement was what I felt coming from this group. Every word seemed to be filled with venom that was being spit on those that were passing by the stage.  The speakers didn’t know anyone, they indiscriminately threw judgment arrows at passersby not knowing if someone was saved, unsaved, or dealing with something for which they could genuinely use some compassion, prayer, and guidance.  And I question, did they reach anyone?

I am guessing they may have gained a few coverts, but mostly I think it probably turned people away, not only from them, but also from God. Think about it, if someone walked up to you and started screaming in a hateful tone some idea they wanted you to believe - would you listen or walk away? I can only speak for myself; my tendency is to shut that person out and walk away.  I am turned off by the angry and malicious voices.  Hate, sarcasm, and spite will usually result in me going the opposite way and cause me to shut out the other person. If the only thing you ever hear or see from the people who claim to be representatives of God is angry screaming, speeches about how much God hates you - not hates your sin, but hates you personally - would you want to have any part of that?

But is this how a lot of people attempt to “share” the gospel - by going out and making a loud noise about what they are against.   They make sure everyone knows what the “rules” are, what makes them a sinner, and remind them that hell is hot and that God is going to throw them in there if they don’t straighten up.

But even loving people, well-meaning people - genuinely wanting  to help people to avoid an eternity without Christ, can share memes on social media that condemn sin, never giving a thought about how this may be received or the pain that such may cause someone.   What about the young girl who finds herself pregnant,  who may be going through tremendous emotional challenges.  She is already aware that she messed up. Does that meme reminding her of her sin really help?

What if there were another way?  Friends, I contend that there is - Christ’s way.  What did Christ say to the woman at the well in John 4:5-26?   Did He scream at her and tell her she was going to hell, or did He approach her with kindness and tell her there is another way, a better a way? He was kind and told her there was a better way, God’s way.

God told us what to do and what not to do, but was it because He wanted to have a jolly old time tossing people in hell or was it because He wanted us all to have lives filled with joy and to be with Him for eternity?  I do not think that God was looking to “throw” people in hell. Otherwise, why create a plan for salvation, a plan for restoration?  And somewhere inside we know this is true or around spouting off John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV).  He gave us a commandments to say, “this is how you love and worship God and show love to your neighbor.” And if you really meditate on what He told us about dos and dont’s you see that there is so much good that comes from living in His way.

For example, if we did not engage in promiscuity then we would not need to fear sexually transmitted diseases or unplanned children.   We would not have people killing each other due to jealousy over possessions, power and people.  We wouldn’t have a lot of the health issues that we have if we avoided foods we were told not to eat - if you look at the list of no’s, most of them are animals that are nature’s garbage disposal.   My point is that following God should be about building a better, kinder, more loving and Christ-like world and restoring our relationship to God, not beating people over the head telling them that they are worthless and unloved.  There is a better way than pointing our finger as judge and executioner.  Let us follow the lyrics of the Casting Crowns song - Jesus, Friend of Sinners, “What if we put down our signs, crossed over the lines and love like You did?”  And let our prayer be “Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers

And let our hearts be led by mercy.

Help us reach with open hearts and open doors”.   This would be the way of Christ who sat at the table with tax collectors and sinners.  If we are His representatives how can we do any less than the King of us all?