Dr. Billy Holland

The narrow path is the way of love and life

It seems the two topics that cause the most anger and division are politics and religion. I remember years ago speaking with an elderly man who was fondly known around town as friendly, successful, and wise, and he told me these were the two areas that he refused to discuss. He said that no matter which side a person openly stands for, you have just caused half the people to be against you. In this light, even though there is not a shortage of people who declare what they believe, we can see why others would rather keep their opinions to themselves.

There's an old saying, "if we don't stand for something, we'll fall for anything." In our modern world where many are ready to fight for their ideas, maybe it would be a good thing to consider what this means. The cleverness of this wordplay has serious implications, especially for truth seekers, as it reveals the importance of decision-making that's guided by a set of values. Everyone has free will to embrace and defend whatever they trust, but there is a difference between information and truth. Just because we have knowledge about something and are convinced it's accurate does not mean it is.

It's normal and healthy to have convictions, but our carnality is not always tolerant of other people's personal views. So as Christians, are we supposed to swing our sword and fight against those who do not believe like we do, or are we called to wage war against principalities and powers on our knees? We realize that within the aggressive and hostile world of religion and politics, everyone cannot be right, but let's take this a step further. Matthew chapter 5 explains how our lives are to be centered in love. As Christians, the way we live (our speech, attitudes, and actions) identifies us, whether we want to admit it or not. We've not been called to argue and fight in our flesh; we've been commissioned to demonstrate the nature and character of Christ.

Take a look around and listen. Hatred is embedded within the world of politics and religion, and many Christians are infected. Some will say hatred is too harsh, because they would never openly say they hate anyone. But the secret of denial is that we learn how to deceive ourselves. The masses criticize those who run for office all the way up to the office of the president. As their faces turn red and their blood pressure rises, if this is not hate, what is it? Is it more socially acceptable to use words like loathing, resentment, abhorrence, contempt, disgust, enmity, and bitterness instead? So, how can the religious masses believe they are walking the narrow path of holiness, repentance, and obedience unto God, and yet be filled with these dark, angry attitudes? Some will say we love the person but hate their sin, but is this just another stealthy way to hide our animosity?

The religious environment is just another type of politics. We have leaders who voice their opinions, and there are plenty of followers who support their ideas. We have different churches on the corners of highways, and they will not even speak to each other. Like politics, we have families who are divided over the Biblical interpretations they have decided to accept. Beyond the opinions of how dogmatic or humble we are to be, Matthew chapter 7 lays it on the line when it comes to identifying and examining the deepest parts of our conscience. In verses 13 and 14 Jesus talks about the broad way and the narrow way. Who is He talking about?

Obviously He is referring to the lost and the saved, but notice carefully: in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is speaking to His followers about how to live the Christian life. We realize the unsaved are on the highway to eternal judgment, but we rarely hear about how the lukewarm religious people might also be on the same highway. God will spew lukewarm people out of His mouth; so, are they lost? And what is the difference between a religious person in name only, and a follower who personally knows and obeys God? Spiritual love. I Corinthians is much more than a wedding blessing; it's the most critical and literal demand in the Bible. If we do not surrender our will and be filled with His love for everyone despite their politics and religion, we are and have nothing. Join me next week as we continue this conversation.

Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, and Christian author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com.