Poetry

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Black-Robed Christians

Beware the unseen black robes that we don
To another's sin, like moths to fire we are drawn
Measuring sins of another on a slanted scale
Ascribing who is righteous and who will go to hell

These righteous rebukes are not done out of love
Nor does this condemnation come from above
Sinners condemned by us, the self-righteous
Yet we, the judges, are violators of a great trust

While ignoring the plank before our own eyes
We are judging and condemning those that we spy
Who are living and sinning outside of our laws
Shouting down those we see with sinful flaws

God's laws and teachings are in the Book written
They are set forth and there is nothing hidden
Love as I have loved you, we are thus taught
There is no condemnation and also to judge not

All of us, each and everyone, are but filthy rags
with all our worries, sins, and emotional bags
Yet in the darkness we hide from His loving light
Because we try to judge who is wrong and right

We are but fishers of men and nothing more
For these souls and ours to the Father I implore
If we do not have love for sinners in our heart
Don't you think now would be the best time to start?

Brothers and Sisters,

I apologize for being away for so long. I wish I had a good excuse, but I don't. I am being pulled from the mud and back to my feet, onward for a new journey. Hopefully, my stagnation is at an end. I will trust and see.

The theme of this poem has been hanging around with me for a while. I started a sarcastic song substituting "Facebook Christians" in the song "Sister Christian" and it was mean spirited. Throughout the history of the Bible and Christianity we have often felt the need to judge and rebuke based on our limited teachings and experience even if it is violation of what Jesus taught. This is a not so gentle rebuke for me and for anyone else who needs it. I understand the concern for the followers of Christ in this day and age. The world seems hell bent on taking the express lane to the apocalypse. We see "alternative lifestyles" and "gender rearrangement" and who knows what else. It is easy for us to pick and choose a few verses from the Bible to open fire and brimstone on the world. The teachings in New Testament teach us that there is a right way and a wrong way to approach such situations. I see hostile, judgmental "Christians" all over the media, social and secular laying down their righteous judgement on these sinners. This poem is a reminder that we need not and should not lose our own way trying to drag someone to the path of righteousness.

As with all I write, the lesson was for me and I am sharing it to help you avoid the pitfall. If you are led to give a loving rebuke to someone engaged in sin, then follow the Spirit and do it with love and out of love.

God bless,
Christian

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