Thoughts About Being Offensive

"And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful" (2 Timothy 2:24, NIV).

After thinking about some of my posts on my blog over the last year, I realize that some people may have been offended or irritated by my thoughts. I have opposed abortion, pornography, divorce, homosexuality, the prosperity gospel, and many other sins. I have supported trans-racial adoption, reconciliation among the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, and expanding evangelistic outreach to Hispanics. I have affirmed the existence of hell, the wrath of God, the existence of Satan, the creation account of Genesis, and the sinfulness of humanity. I have taken positions that put me at odds with the culture around me. I have taken positions that make fellow Christians uncomfortable (and I know this because I have been uncomfortable taking such positions at times).

However, I have tried to avoid being unnecessarily offensive, while being faithful to the will and intent of God as I understand it from reading and thinking about the biblical message. If I am offensive, I want it to be because I am following Jesus Christ, not because I am an arrogant jerk. I know that I will make enemies, but I want enemies to form as a bi-product of my faithfulness to Christ. I do not want to make unnecessary enemies.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me" (Matthew 5:10-11, NIV).