Close-minded?

It’s funny to me that if you claim to be a Christian and truly accept the Bible’s belief that Jesus is the way, truth and life (1 John 14:6) and no one comes to the Father (or goes to Heaven) but through Him, that you as an individual are considered to be close-minded. This is what was rolling around in my head at 3 AM on a Sunday morning, when I need really need to be up in 3 hours…

A very dear friend of mine consistently refers to God as God/Divine Source on a frequent basis. While she fully accepts what I say about scripture and my personal Christian views, she is also open to other philosophies and ideas. It seems there are many in the world today that think like this. I believe this openness got ushered in under the category of “New Age.”

Islam and Buddhism accept the teachings of Jesus and view him as an enlightened one or a valuable teacher, but Islam obviously does not see him as the Saviour and Buddhism does not believe what He preached about being the only way. Many today believe there are many paths to the same place and still others say I feel that this is my way to Heaven, but who am I to judge what others believe?

As Christians, we are never called to judge our fellow believers on their motivations or their beliefs. I have caught myself doing so and very quickly readjusted my thinking, that I have no right to judge another’s choices-I am not in their shoes and have no clue what issues they have struggled with. And yet at the same time, when I say I believe Jesus is the only way to Heaven, I get pinned as being close-minded. I don’t want that stereotype anymore than one wants to be pegged a cynic, a killjoy or a Bible-thumper. However, if I truly believe what the Bible preaches and I am not ashamed of what Jesus taught, I guess I will have to offend a few people and accept the stereotype.

I consider myself a somewhat enlightened person and I have found some great friends that are on that same level with me. I also have been drawing more of these types to me because we connect instantly on a level much deeper than the initial surface. It has become an interesting challenge to take these enlightened ideas, these concepts and beliefs and still apply them to my basic spiritual, Christian, Bible-based background. By enlightened, I mean that these people look outside the box and below the surface. They understand everything affects everything- i.e. your mentality affects your self-talk which then affects your body language, then the vibe you give off which then affects how you are perceived. So by simply adjusting your sub-conscious thought processes, you in turn affect how you are perceived. This is one of MANY examples.

I guess my struggle is stemming from the fact that I do feel I am open to hearing other’s beliefs and views, that I am consciously aware and working on viewing life outside of the box that our society tends to wrap us into and that I believe what Jesus said was true-that He is the only way. Am I less “enlightened” or “accepting” because of this? I do not think so-especially understanding, from a Biblical perspective that those who do not believe in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour will be condemned to hell… For eternity. I care too much about my friends and the people God puts in my path to not be concerned for them and their future beyond this world. I understand it’s not a popular view, but it’s what Jesus said. And what God said. And what the Bible says. Who am I to go against God’s authority?

I just wish we could get it straight. I wish the world could be a loving, accepting place and that we could all be worshipping the same God and enjoying fellowship with one another. But I understand that we were not made for this world. C.S. Lewis puts it best when he said, “If I find in

myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” We were designed for perfection. Why do you think there is so much hate? War? Divorce? Death? Disease? Destruction? Adultery? Addictions? We as a society seek to fill a void with whatever comes easiest or gives us the biggest high. Whatever can help us alleviate the pain or forget we’re suffering. That’s what we seek because we don’t know what else to do or where else to turn. We were designed to live with God in perfection-in paradise-in fellowship with Him and with His creation. The good news-the hope that we have, is that we will be able to worship God together in love, peace and perfection where there will be no more tears-

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Maybe why I’m wrestling with this now is because I realize how many opportunities I’ve lost in the past to be an influence to someone who may have needed Jesus and the message of the Gospel. Maybe I’m realizing there are people in my life right now that I care too much about that I will risk appearing close-minded if it will even plant the seed that there is more to this Christian thing-that Jesus did come and die on the cross to give us an amazing fellowship with our Father and allow us to make an attempt, while we are on this Earth, at true intimacy and vulnerability with others-and possibly kiss the face of God-or bow at his feet together in forgiveness, repentance, mercy and love.

I leave you with the lyrics to a beautiful worship song that seems incredibly pertinent after all of that:

“How deep the Father’s love for us, How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son, To make a wretch His treasure

Behold the Man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there, Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life, I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything, No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.”

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us