Are we to have peace at all costs? I'm beginning to see the church in a precarious place. We seem to think that "unity" is all about "just getting along," "let's not make waves" -- "just love one another" and that's all we need.
It all sounds pretty good. Except-- I see certain scriptures being ignored. I hear more and more-- "we're not to judge..." Which I think is true in that we are not to judge the heart of someone else, only God sees the heart and can judge the motives. But...I believe we are called-- commanded-- to judge the actions of someone else. Or, "their fruit" as it is expressed in scripture. "You will know them by their fruit"-- not their gifts-- their "fruit."
Otherwise-- how can we carry out Matthew 18 where a brother has sinned and we must confront him seeking his repentance? How can that be done if we do not judge? How are we to carry out Romans 16: 17,18 where we are commanded to have nothing to do with divisive people? How can we do that if we do not judge? How was I to correct my children if I didn't judge their poor behavior? That is judging in it's most practical form.

I think political correctness has entered the church-- and I'm pretty sure Jesus was the least politically correct person when he walked the earth, and being timeless and never changing-- I'm pretty sure He is not politically correct today either. And I think the church is getting into a HEAP of trouble by winking at sin, watering down the gospel so everyone feels good, and basically embracing the concept that "I'm okay-- you're okay."
Deception is running thick in the world-- in the church. And it frightens me. Not in a "robbing my sleep" kind of frighten, but in a deeply disturbing kind of frighten. I have a feeling that God is going to clean house-- real soon. He is going to turn over some tables and get a little ticked off at His people who are in compromise.
The enemy is so crafty and so deceptive-- he has lulled millions in the church to sleep and they don't even know it. We are in a war and I think a lot are either oblivious or indifferent to it. The western church has done such a good job, with the enemy's help, in painting the enemy as more of a "mischief maker" and not the roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.  I don't have most of the answers, and I may be wrong about this, but I think I'm right. There is this disturbing trend I'm seeing manifest all around me. And it's alarming.
If your not sure if you're in this group or not-- ask the Lord to reveal it to you. And if you're sincere, He will answer the cry of a sincere heart. I know that as fact.

"Peace at all costs" leads to a false peace. It may bring "unity", but it's a false unity. It can't last, and in a matter of time it will implode on itself.
But be warned-- it is an unpopular place to be when you start judging or "holding accountable" other believers-- they don't like it, and you will be labeled as "judgmental" and "unloving" and you will most likely be taken off of Christmas card lists.

I want to stand for truth. I want to be found faithful. I want to be found steady.
Till the end.

I am coming off the bandwagon of criticizing this administration--publicly for sure, and also going to work harder at it in my private conversations as well.  I've not become suddenly okay with all that is swirling around me, but have come to the realization that criticizing and complaining has only worked to bring myself and probably others down a level or two. Complaining accomplishes nothing, and it only fosters more complaining. It certainly does not change anyone else's opinion or will change their vote in the future. In my opinion. And it's just too much negative to deal with. There is SO much negative and so much that is valid to complain about, but for my own sake and for the sake of others influenced by my negativity I'm am hereby relinquishing my right to complain. : )

I do want to apologize also if I came across as uncaring or as someone who is hardened to the fallen nature of unbelievers. I don't want to give that impression, but I see I could have easily given that impression with my sarcasm and criticism. I am passionate about justice, and when I see injustice I have a tendency to become vocal. I need to continually remind myself of my "role" in this. God's role is to "execute justice and righteousness for all who are oppressed" Psalm 103:6, and my role is to continually pray. I am to pray that the way will be opened up for God to execute justice and righteousness for all who are oppressed.

I want to reflect the heart of the Father. And what is His heart? It is to save the lost. And He has designed this to be achieved through free will. He longs and weeps over the lost. I want that burden to be on me. Because in the grand scheme of things, losing freedoms that we've always known is of little consequence in comparison to what lies ahead for those who do not believe in the One true God and in His Son whom He sent.
And when I look into the face of Jesus on that great and terrible day of the Lord, (great for those who believe, terrible for those who don't), I know what will be reflected back to me in His eyes. It will be my own heart. I will know in that instant all of my failures, all of the things I invested my time in that did not produce good fruit, all the wasted time on the insignificant. And I will weep because I will be gazing into His eyes that reflect love in it's purest form. Oh the depths of that love-- it is beyond human knowledge. It will all be about Love, His love that He has for me and for the human race, and I know I will grieve because I'll see all the time I wasted on things that did not matter. Jesus is the real deal. He's not boring, He is life itself. All the longing I have in my heart for things that matter-- it all begins with Him. That is where I want to be. It's so easy to pursue the insignificant.

Oh the Beauty of This Man
by Allen Hood and David Brymer

My heart is stirred by a noble theme
Bringing blessed words unto my King
Giving up my love as a sweet offering
Oh the beauty of this Man.

For the sake of love, He left His Father's throne
Searching for a bride, bone of His bone
Such a humble kiss to make her dust  His own
Oh the beauty of this Man.

Chorus
Jesus I love you
I give You all my worship
Jesus I love You
Your name is Wonderful

See His hands, His head, His feet and His side
They bear the marks of wrath, a pure sacrifice
To secure her love by giving up His life
Oh the beauty of this Man.

She now faint with love, beckons Him to come
Establish righteousness as God's risen Son
On that glorious day, she will marry her Fair One
Oh the beauty of this Man...