Christian Living

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We have allowed the devil to define these terms and as a result, we are sadly divided, thus accomplishing the Great Deceiver's dearest dream. The ideas are not even contradictory except by politically-correct definition. The word LIBERAL has as its root meaning, to set free, to be generous. All the other baggage we've added is just that--meant to do harm and to divide. Jesus was liberal: He came to set men free, to liberate them from the law of sin and death (John 8:32; Rom. 8:2). The Scripture He read that Sabbath morning in the synagogue included setting the captive free. (Luke 4:18) Jesus was generous to a fault--it cost Him His life. The Wise Man says that the liberal soul will be rewarded generously. (Prov. 11:25) Paul praised the Macedonians for their liberality. (2 Cor. 8:2) Free, willing and noble were traits associated with the term. Those who repudiate the word "liberal" with such venom walk dangerously close to our cherished word LIBERTY which comes from exactly the same root. So when someone calls you liberal, say thank you, because you're in good company. Jesus was liberal all the way to the cross.

The term CONSERVATIVE by root connotes saving or preserving. Jesus came to seek and SAVE the lost. He told His followers to be salt (a preservative) and light in a dark world. Salt saves and light frees (liberates) from darkness. He was Himself the Light, and we walk therein. ( 1 John 1:7) Scripture teaches good stewardship of all that we've been given: saving, conserving, using wisely. It's a good word. Jesus was conservative: He longed to save men's souls. He picked up the leftovers when the meal was finished. So if someone calls you conservative, say thank you: you're in good company--Jesus was conservative. He came to liberate men rom the law of sin and death and conserve their souls by His grace and mercy.

And if you want to consider something just a little unsettling, think about this: The world that Jesus came into had political parties also. The Pharisees and Sadducees and scribes all wanted badly to preserve the status quo: tradition, etc., what they considered "right." Into this scene strode a determined young Messiah intent upon changing the system and making it a thousand times better. He stirred controversy, His followers turning the world upside down. In light of our current politically-defined terms, which group would have been "conservative," and Who would have been liberal? Just a thought.

The terms "liberal" and "conservative" are benevolent adjectives. Do not enter into the fray that the devil's minions have engendered by devising deceitful definitions of the words. We are so often divided successfully by the Prince of Darkness--it's one of his very best ploys. We must not be caught up in his schemes. It breaks the dear Savior's heart and jeopardizes our souls. We must be able to avoid the satanic traps and keep our eyes on the One who both liberates and saves--and longs to lead us home, all of us.

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