From the Pastor's Study
From the Pastor’s Study
Not Guilty by Association
August 10, 2022
This past week the FBI raided Donald Trump’s Florida home, looking, no doubt, for evidence of wrongdoing and perhaps even illegal activity. Whether or not they find anything incriminating remains to be seen, but it seems to me that the majority of people would not be surprised if something comes to light. Trump has his faults, and few would be shocked if those faults included illegal activity.
Many Americans voted for Trump, showing their support for him and the Republican Party. They supported his policies, and many showed support for him as a person. Yet, it would not be right if the FBI raided their homes because they suspected Trump’s supporters of illegal activity. Just because the leader is suspect does not mean that his supporters should be as well.
The corollary can also be said to be true. We cannot say that the leader is guilty if some of his supporters are found to be involved in illegal or immoral activity. It would be wrong for the police to raid our Prime Minister’s residence solely on the basis that someone who voted for him was suspected of committing a crime. While the actions of supporters may cause a shadow on the leader, and vice versa, we cannot say that anyone is guilty by association.
Yet that is the very kind of thing that is happening to our God and to his Son, Jesus Christ. It is true that Christians, throughout the centuries, can be accused of nefarious (evil or criminal) activities. It was Christians who persecuted non-Christians in Europe. It was Christians who were involved in the colonization and subjugation of peoples in Africa and South America. It was Christians who stand accused of abusing aboriginal peoples in the residential schools. With a little research, I could name hundreds of more examples of times when Christians could be found guilty of crimes against humanity, sad to say. Yet, just because people over the centuries have done these things in the name of Christ does not mean that Jesus Christ or God the Father are guilty as well. Yes, the actions of those who name themselves as Christians and who claim to act in the name of Christ do cast a shadow over Jesus, they do not make Jesus guilty by association.
Yet, Jesus is being rejected because he is being made guilty by association. Repeatedly I have heard calls to discredit Jesus Christ because of what those who claim to be his followers have done. It is unfair to Jesus. It is more than that: it is unacceptable, and we who claim him as our Lord and Saviour should not put up with that.
So, what should we do? First, we need to be open and honest about the failures of those who have claimed the name of Christ when they acted badly. We need to confess that our failings are our own and not those of Jesus. Second, we need to be sure that we are not doing something in the name of Jesus Christ that does not reflect who he is. Too much has been done in the name of Christ that casts a shadow over him, and we should not participate in anything that causes the name of Jesus Christ to be smeared in any way.
And, third, as Christians we need to be active in showing the world who Jesus really is. I believe that history does show how much of a blessing those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ are to the world. From early times, Christians were actively helping those who were in need. Early Christians committed their lives to helping those with communicable diseases who had been banned from their communities. Christians, throughout the centuries have given generously of their time, energy, and abilities to help the poor, victims of disaster, and those whose lives have been torn apart by war. Christians are always on the front lines to welcome refugees, feed the hungry, and cry out on behalf of those who have experience injustice. We need to continue with our efforts, dedicating our lives to loving others even as Jesus has loved us.
Unfortunately, the good work done in the name of Jesus is overlooked by those who wish to publish a smear campaign against Jesus. They make him guilty by association when bad things are done in the name of Jesus Christ, but they refuse to acknowledge the blessings that have flowed from God’s people to the world, blessings that have been offered in the name of Jesus Christ. It is unlikely that we can stem the tide of accusations levelled against Jesus by those who refuse to acknowledge the whole picture, but at least we can give fewer reasons for those opposed to Jesus Christ to hold him guilty by association.
While it may be true that if the FBI should come to our homes, they could find reason to level accusations of wrongdoing against us, but should they be able to raid Jesus’ home, they would find no reason whatsoever to level charges of corruption, immorality, injustice, or unethical behaviour against him. Jesus cannot be found guilty of anything, though his followers might be guilty of many things. For those who follow him, there is forgiveness by God even though others might not choose to forgive us our sins in the same way.
Today there are many who would say to us that being a follower of Jesus Christ, being a Christian, is foolish and misguided. We should not listen to them. Jesus remains a legitimate leader, for no wrongdoing can be found in him. We can put our trust in him, regardless of what others may say. Let’s remain firm in our faith in Jesus and firm in our faithfulness as we reveal who he truly is to the world.
Pastor Gary
