Beware of the Dog

Two thousand years ago, two men began to change the social and spiritual landscape of their nation. The first appeared from nowhere and began to preach repentance. People of every social and economic level began to flock out from Jerusalem and Judea to hear this strange man. As they listened, their hearts were changed and John baptized people of every social class.

Religious leaders in Jerusalem began to hear the buzz of whispering throughout the city, and noticed their loss of influence, as hundreds would daily stream out of the city to hear this odd man down by the river. Concerned for their loss of influence over the masses, they sent out their spies to listen in, and challenge this usurper of their influence.

When things couldn’t get any worse for the religious leaders, suddenly another man bursts upon the scene. As if inspired or encouraged by this “Baptist” down at the Jordan, he too begins to draw people from the country side. Crowds seem to flock to wherever he is and there are even whisperings of signs, wonders and miracles being performed daily!

In every community where this Jesus of Nazareth enters, the spiritual elite and leaders notice an immediate drop in church attendance. People abandon the outdoor teachings of the local rabbis and spiritual elite and crowd the places where Jesus stays.

The spiritual elite search out this Jesus to see if He is possibly a new heretic, someone from whom the sheep of God must be protected. Their suspicions are immediately confirmed when they come upon the place only to find that it is a house filled with sinners, thieves and collaborators. Even prostitutes squeeze through the crowd and find audience with this “teacher.”

The Pharisees were shocked and in disbelief. Here is a man stealing their congregations and followers, but worse gaining influence with the sinners and lowest deviants in society! It seemed no one was immune to his influence. It was time to make a stand and draw a line in the sand. A sign must be shown to demonstrate the errancies in his teachings and lifestyle. A title must be given; a slogan must be raised to stand as a banner for Holiness.

“Jesus is a friend of tax collectors and sinners,” they whisper with condescending tones. He can not be a man of God. God wouldn’t approve of sitting with such people.

Sitting at dinner, Jesus challenges the Pharisees on their new slogan. Then, turning their whispering against them, He takes the title and places it upon his breast as a badge of honor. “Jesus, the friend of sinners.”

Here is where I wonder, is this where we miss the mark? Are Christians today walking in the path of Christ? Are we considered by our communities, the friend of sinners?

As I read through the gospels I am amazed at the people who would come across Jesus’ path, those who would seek Him out day and night. Religious leaders, from the Sanhedrin, would search through the night to find Him. Lepers, forced from society, would find Him on the road. Men, possessed of demons, would run from their hiding places to fall at His feet. Tax collectors would seek Him out, one even climbing a tree simply to catch a glimpse. Rich rulers would come to seek his wisdom and prostitutes would come seeking his forgiveness and acceptance.

People from every range of social class and structure found acceptance at the feet of Christ. Children felt comfortable enough to sit upon his lap and religious scholars found themselves challenged by His teachings.

Yet today, as I look at the average Christian I do not see the same drawing. More often than not I see the world driven from our presence like animals stampeding from a coming destruction. People fumble over each other to get out of the room, or finish their meals before the “Bible Beater” arrives in the break room.

This is the new badge of honor the Christian carries: “The terror of sinners.” My heart silently breaks as I hear yet another Christian share the story of how they are impacting their work place for Christ. “People used to swear and curse around me, but then I made my stand for Christ. Now when I walk into a room they all run!”

Sadly, I know I have been one of these people. I was one who felt the wave of pride and joy over the fact that I had “Stood up for Christ” only to drive every person away from me. It was then that the Holy Spirit pierced my heart, “Now that they won’t come near you, how will you lead them to Me?”

It has become a lost art in the Christian world and one we all need to rediscover and bring into our daily lives. Three steps can change the way we affect our world. First, we must have God fill us so completely with His love that we love others more than we care about our own discomfort. Secondly, we need Him to grant us wisdom to know when to “Stand up for Christ,” and when to patiently endure. Lastly, we need to learn to remove our self-righteous and condescending attitudes and become open and inviting; to make even the worst sinner feel comfortable in our presence.

We can be those who draw people by our soothing voice and gentle hands, or we can be the snarling dog that drives them from the gates of Heaven and into the waiting arms of the religions of this world. Do our homes and churches have a sign outside that proclaims, “All are welcome here,” or instead does it warn, “Beware of the Dog.”