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Don’t believe a lie - Christians can be trusted
By admin | August 31, 2008
I have written this article in response to comments I have heard repeated recently within Christian circles. The statement goes along seems the lines; “Christians cannot be trusted”. And some people would even advocate that they’d rather do business with non-Christians than Christians.
First and foremost, we need to be careful because we ultimately believe what we say or confess. One of the first questions we need to ask is, in proportion to the number of Christians we have ever come across, how many have actually been dishonest to us?
Jesus did not condemn all the 12 disciples just because Judas was a thief. Although we do know that the rest did not have perfect lives. I believe the blanket statement that “Christians cannot be trusted” is a lie the enemy has gotten us to believe.
The situation is similar to Elijah believing that all the Priests had bowed to Baal. I believe that the majority of Christians are honest people.
The question then is should we trust everyone who calls themselves a believer. By all means no, because Jesus said that by “their fruit shall you know them”.
By the way, I do have personal experience of two Christians who have not acted with integrity around my finances. However, I can honestly say that most of the people who assist me with my business are Christians and they are honest and upright people. Now, the impact of the two people who have acted dishonestly has been profound but the majority of people are okay and are actually a blessing.
So let’s be careful, lest we hear a lie so much that it becomes the ‘truth’ to us. Let’s put things in perspective and not over-exaggerate. Yes, some Christians may have let us down but have they really been the majority? Many Christians are people of integrity and therefore we should not allow the enemy to sow seeds of discord.
If you choose not to do business with a particular Christian because a non-Christian does a better job, then that’s okay. If however, it’s because you have been hurt by Christians in the past and believe you would be let down again, then that’s sad. Remember, Jesus did not discard the 11 just because one was a thief and a betrayer.
Having said that, there are guidelines that should be put in place before doing business with Christians.
The scriptures lay down conditions for those who want to rule over us in the church. The qualities they are expected to exemplify are listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Some of these qualities can be applied to business relationships between Christians.
Some other practical principles I have personally put in place include:
a) Taking up references. Taking up references does not mean that we distrust the person.
b) Know their pastor. I personally do not believe that Christians should take each other to court. I believe that there are men and women full of wisdom that can resolve arising situations and problems. Therefore, are they accountable to a man or woman of God or are they free rangers? Have an agreed system on how agreements will be sorted, that includes the Pastor
c) Pray for discernment before appointing someone. I have been saved by a major catastrophe just because I listened to the continual nudging of the Holy Spirit about someone. Know people after the spirit and not after the flesh. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
I trust that this article has been useful and thought provoking. Let me know any comments you might have- whether you agree or disagree. So until I arrive again in your inbox, stay blessed
God bless
Ola
Topics: Uncategorized |
September 9th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Thank You for this commentary Ola.
Bringing us back to the Word of God as opposed to our feelings is super important. We can all get caught up in thinking we are right and THEY have done wrong. Putting prayer and the scriptures you listed into practice is not just good for business it’s LIFE as a believer.
I also love the following scripture because we will all be hurt or wronged at some point.
Ephesians 4:30-32 (New International Version)
30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Those of us who love the Lord are incredibly fortunate in that, EVERY challenge is an opportunity for victory. (Romans 8:28)
Peace,
Angel