OK, so I’ve been known to take a few friendly swipes at fundamentalists in the past. Their often-laughable legalism just makes for such an inviting target. And it makes me feel a little more sophisticated to do it.
But last week, in our small-group study of Romans, I had to confess that I was convinced by Paul’s words in chapter 14 that I was “despising” people who thoughtfully abstain from things I consider to be areas of liberty. Verse 17 really stabbed deep into my chest: “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Is it really worth risking peace and joy in the body of Christ so I can laugh at somebody who can’t pass by the alcohol aisle in the supermarket without feeling guilty?
Now this week, John Piper blogged on “20 Reasons I Don’t Take Potshots at Fundamentalists.” A few of the best ones:
5. They know that the Bible calls for some kind of separation from the world.
7. They put obedience to Jesus above the approval of man (even though they fall short, like others).
10. Their “social action” is helping the person next door (like Jesus), which doesn’t usually get written up in the newspaper.
All right, Lord, I get the message. I’ll never again make fun of someone who avoids fireworks because they make a “big bang.”
Oops. Let’s try that again. Starting… now.