Moderation or Compromise?

For many of us during this Holiday Season, the question is not, "Do we celebrate?" It is "How do I share my new found convictions with my friends and family?" Because we are learning the importance of the whole of Scripture, and the desires of our Creator as we worship, we struggle not to offend those closest to us who may not yet share our convictions. We wrestle with how to respond to those who innocuously wish us a "Merry Christmas," especially when they are Christians. Should we challenge them by reminding that Dec. 25th was designated as the birthday of pagan deities and is not the birthday of our Messiah? Should we point out that they are following lies and traditions that have nothing to do with Christianity?

I believe there is an eternal principle in play here, that we are warned against numerous times in Scripture, and that is the mixing of the holy with the profane. Aaron's own sons were killed for violating this principle. Ezekiel warns against it as well; "Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths, and I am profaned among them." (Ezek. 22:26).

The conviction is to return to following Yehuweh of Scripture with all the purity that is humanly possible. How do we live out this conviction?

First of all, remember where you have come from. It took the Holy Spirit to remove blinders from your eyes to see all the pagan influence in the first place. Your relationship with Messiah will guide you here, if you are willing to listen. (A word of warning: The Holy Spirit will NEVER give you a thought or instruction that is outside of the confines of His Word. Yehuweh has chosen to govern Himself by His Word...Scripture must become our governing force as well.) As we study the life of our Messiah, we see His attack was on the religious establishment, not the people that were enslaved by it. His response to those who were looking for freedom was to confront the sin issues, but with great compassion for the individual (See Mark 10:17-27).

Let me share with you a couple of counselling principles that have proven themselves many times over through the years in my own practice.

• Present your conviction only after being asked about it. When you share your convictions before being asked, your words are harsh and unpalatable. You will be accused of "trying to 'cram' it down their throat."
• Do not use Scripture against those to whom you are trying to minister. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." In other words, the Word is a weapon that cuts,,,we must learn to be skilled in its use. It is always appropriate to use Scripture to explain your position, but it is NOT up to you to bring conviction to those around you. That responsibility belongs to the Holy Spirit alone.
• Try to tackle the subject when the pressure is off. It is much better to talk about Christmas issues at other seasons of the year, if possible. You can say to your loved one, "I would love to discuss my views with you, but lets wait until after the season is over." You are then allowing the individual to see that you are not attacking them personally.

Our Messiah told us to "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) One way to let your light shine is when you are wished a "Merry Christmas" smile and say "Thank You"!

Shalom