What if he was?

First of all, let me just say that I am not a big fan of Pat Robertson and I do not condone what he had to say this week about Haiti following the completely devastating earthquake that happened there. Apparently, it is a natural disaster of epoch proportions! A lot of lives were snuffed out in an instant when that quake hit, and the hurt/pain for those who remain must be completely overwhelming. We need to be praying for the relief efforts in Haiti, as well as sending whatever support we can.

But, a lot of you may have been asking yourselves this week how anyone could be so seemingly insensitive to say what Robertson said about Haiti? Me, too. Similarly, a lot of you are probably saying to yourself: "What was he thinking?" Me, too.

However, as the days rolled on the abundant onslaught of severe criticism for Robertson following his words (some from prominent national figures who are also Christ followers, and some from Christ followers who are here in my circle in Plano, Texas) was not very Christ-like either. As a matter of fact, some of the criticisms were almost as disturbing as what Robertson said in the first place. Aren't we Christ followers supposed to be willing to extend grace to others? The same grace that we have already been given from the Lord? Why are we so prone to publicly pile on, attacking a fellow believer so boldly? Have we forgotten that we've made grevious mistakes in the past, too?

So, I asked myself this question: "What if he was?" What if God chose to speak today through someone here on earth like Robertson? Would we even hear it? Would we even be able to accept what he had to say as a word from God? I know that God primarily speaks to us today through His Word, the Bible. But, what if He decided to use another human being as His mouthpiece today?

Seems to me that the powerful influence of "public opinion" has become our new American idol. It seems to me that we worship on the altar of "public opinion" daily these days. No one wants to be on the wrong side of the generally accepted consensus of "public opinion." No one wants to stand alone for some thought or opinion that might be terribly unpopular and against the generally accepted consensus of "public opinion."

But, what if "public opinion" and what is wildly popular in America today was contrary to God's Word and His message to us? What would we as Christ followers in America do then? What do we as American Christ followers do when confronted with this dilema?

While pondering this idea, I was led to II Timothy 4:3-5 for some sobering words. Here's how those verses read in The Message:

"You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant."

These words were written by Paul back in the first century A.D. to Timothy (and subsequently to all Christ followers after them). Even way back then, Paul was warning Timothy (and us as God's servants?) of the immense problems that arise when we are too quick to gravitate towards elevating the value of "public opinion" versus standing on the truths contained in the Word of God.

I would dare say that all of us probably need to check our motivations concerning our reactions to what Robertson said. Hopefully, Robertson is checking his motivations for what he said as well.

We all need grace.