November 1, 2019 – Click here to listen
I often see jellyfish floating along in the ocean. They are beautiful creatures with iridescent blue and purple hues and coloration on their bodies and long streamers. They are deceiving and many a swimmer, diver, and fisherman has found out the hard way that they have a slime all over them that when it comes into contact with your flesh feels like a bee sting or worse. Some species of this creature can kill you quicker than a King Cobra. Many an offshore fisherman, me included, has found that it’s highly advisable just to cut off your line if one gets tangled in it while fishing. Interestingly the jellyfish has no backbone. It is just a mass of an undulating jelly looking substance that is driven by the winds and current.
This creature reminds me of some people I’ve encountered in the church. They appear to be radiant and beautiful, however, they will sting anyone they contact like a jellyfish. In Australia there are signs on certain beaches that warn of poisonous jellyfish that inhabit those waters. In church there are no such warnings posted against self-righteous hypocrites and all too often church-goers encounter one and end up being the victim of hypocritical judgment and condemnation.
Additionally, we are warned in the Bible that false prophets will teach false doctrine, especially in the latter days such as the days in which we are living right now. God’s word is twisted, often to accommodate the sins of those twisting it, and these same jellyfish Christians who do not have a backbone follow along as though being driven by the wind and current.
Unfortunately, our Lord and His beautiful church, the body of true believers, receive the bad press and the blame for the works of a few. Every church has a small number of these folks in it and we would be well advised to use caution. We all know someone who got completely turned off towards the church due to Jellyfish Christians. I try to reason with those who have been stung by telling them that just because someone claims to represent Christ doesn’t mean they can effectively do it, because we are, after all is said and done, mere human beings. Churches are filled with fallen humans including me. We depend upon a Savior who is perfect in every way to lead us down the right paths and He has forgiven us our shortcomings. Anyone telling you otherwise is just stinging you like a jellyfish. Yes, it was a sin to get that abortion, have that sexual encounter, get a divorce, cheat on your taxes, tell that lie, gossip, or whatever, but God forgives all those things and you are now a new creature. Don’t be a jellyfish, have the backbone to stand up for Christ and what is right and don’t condemn others for failing to hit the same mark that you and all of us have missed. This will be a great start.
Titus 1:16
They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!