Early Saturday morning, the Islamic Center of Victoria was destroyed by fire. Talk of the center's destruction spread quickly through the Crossroads and it eventually hit national and international news. As we were getting ready for church on Sunday, our feeds were full of posts regarding the fire and Good Morning America reported on it so we knew that we would need to talk with our kids. We wanted to prepare them for conversations that they may have or overhear at church. Kristi and I talked with the kids for about 5 minutes or so. The big idea of the talk was simple: when it comes to those who practice Islam, they aren't our enemies, but they also aren't our spiritual friends.
They aren't our enemies.
Because they aren't our enemies, we don't wish for bad things to happen to them. Because they aren't our enemies, we will be build relationships that are considerate, respectful and loving. Because they aren't our enemies, if the fire was act of man, we will stand with them to ensure that their religious freedoms are protected in our community.But they aren't our spiritual friends.
Though they are our friends and neighbors, those who practice Islam aren't our spiritual friends. We don't worship the same God, study the same sacred text, or have the same assurance of life after death or hold to the same hope on Earth.Blurred lines lead to confusing prayers.
On Sunday morning, a prayer service was held at the site of the fire. It was in this prayer service that the lines of citizenship and spirituality were blurred. Prayers were offered to Allah. Prayers were made to the "God of many names." Prayers were made to the "God of Abraham, God of Moses and Jesus and Muhammad, God of every living, breathing person..." The problem with these interfaith prayers is that:They presented all faiths as equal.
There was no distinction between Islam, Judaism, Christianity, or Atheism. As believers, we must reject this unequivocally. All faiths aren't equal. There aren't many Gods. There is one true God. There aren't many paths to the same God. There is one way and His name is Jesus Christ.Even when Christians blur the lines between faith groups in the name of unity, we must stand on the truth of the Gospel. As we stand on truth, we also must share the truth of God's love and Jesus' sacrifice for every man, woman, and child. That's why we build loving, respectful, considerate relationships with all of our neighbors.
So, the next time that something like this happens, and it will happen. Before you click Donate Now, on Go Fund Me or before you bundle up the kids to go to an interfaith community prayer gathering, think about theses things:
- How can I pray for those who have been affected by loss or tragedy?
- What can I do to stand out as a believer in Jesus so that others see Christ in me through my faith, my words, my life, my service, and my love?
- Who am I build relationships with so that I can share the hope of Christ when opportunity arises?
- What do I need to learn about my faith so that I can share it with others?
- How can I help my kids process and think through the issues of the day?
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