According to Encyclopedia Brittanica: “Controversy refers to a prolonged public dispute or debate, often involving strong disagreement among a group of people about a particular issue or topic. It typically arises when there are conflicting opinions or points of view.” It sure sounds like being controversial is part and parcel of being a Christian, doesn’t it? If not, everyone would be Christian. So why are so many Christians averse to being labeled controversial?
Not controversial?
I recently heard a sermon that intimated that a fellow pastor was not controversial. And therefore, that was a very good thing. Someone to look up to. I was very confused. And frustrated.
Now, of course, there’s the Eminem “controversial” who has always pushed the boundaries and has included violence and misogyny in many of his songs. To keep it in the realm of music, there’s also the controversial persona of Tom MacDonald, who I would argue is definitely controversial in a good way. He speaks a lot of truth, although, his music is known to have a bit of profanity. So there’s that. But I don’t think either Eminem’s or MacDonald’s versions of controversy is what that sermon was referring to when speaking about that fellow pastor.
It’s true that we are commanded to be at peace with our fellow man if at all possible (Romans 12:18). But I think many churches are interpreting that verse more to mean “be at peace with our fellow man at all costs.” And one of the costs of this “peace” is taboo, Biblical Truth.
Rocking the proverbial boat
In other words, don’t say hard Biblical Truths so that we’re at peace with everyone. The message is that we must avoid rocking the proverbial boat, and be nice to everyone. Homosexual marriage? IVF? Abortion on demand? Gender ideology? DEI? Even, strong borders? Nope, nope, nope, and yeah. Nope. Can’t talk about that.
Many would argue these are all political issues, not Biblical issues. Tell that to the many children affected by these ideologies (over 500,000 abortions in the first 6 months of 2025, and that’s an improvement apparently). Explain that to many hardworking men (and women) who get passed over or ignored because they’re not the right color or gender or gender identity. Or the families who have lost loved ones to this political posturing. Aren’t we supposed to love our neighbor? I don’t think Jesus would have said give the robbers a helping hand since they feel the need to rob the man on the road.
Yes, we must be kind to everyone and we shouldn’t raise a fuss over minor things such as secondary or tertiary Biblical issues (let alone topics where, as Christians, we’re allowed to have freedom of opinion). Being nice is great, but it’s not the most important thing we need to focus on. To quote Voddie Baucham we act as if: “The Eleventh Commandment is, ‘Thou shalt be nice’… and we don’t believe the other ten.” That should make us all wince.
It’s just not optional
Rocking the boat is not optional. If we’re left to coast and float through life in that proverbial boat, we would not end up in good places. And we’re not obeying and loving our LORD and His Word.
Humans are sinful. Without heavenly intervention, things will not go well. Sure, since we are all made in the image of God, there will always be “good” to be found. But at the end of the day, fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. And with no fear of the LORD (or obedience to His Word), we have no wisdom. We may have knowledge, but with no wisdom, it’s like having a car with no gas. You won’t be getting anywhere anytime soon.
If you think about it, Jesus was the ultimate boat rocker. He was kind, compassionate, and generous. But He certainly rocked many, many boats. Why would we think we could live our lives without disrupting the paradigms of our culture?
Hypocrite or wise counselor?
I love that Paul wrote Romans 13 while he was in jail. To put this into perspective, he’s in jail for not submitting to government authorities. But he’s telling the Romans, submit to government authorities. Does this make him a hypocrite? Does he have regret for disobeying the authorities? Hardly.
Peter puts it this way: “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29). Of course, we should respect and obey the laws of our government. However, God’s Word always comes first. So if there’s a conflict, and inevitably there will be, we obey the LORD. Clearly, this is our destiny – confrontations with the world and controversy.
Standing firm
I pray we are always standing for the Truth of God’s Word. I pray more of us are like William Wilberforce, who pushed against the governing authorities, forcing people to see the wickedness of their culture. When Wilberforce lived, he advocated for the abolition of slavery. Thankfully in the West, that kind of slavery has been outlawed. However, today there certainly are those of us who are not treated the same. But not based on the color of our skin, rather where a person resides (i.e. a mother’s womb).
We need more Corrie ten Boom‘s, who protect those who are being targeted and marginalized. When ten Boom lived, it was the Jews. Today it’s marginalized children who are confused, but are targeted to mutilate their bodies to promote a wicked agenda.
Can’t get away from controversy
We look back at these giants of the faith with pride. But we fail to realize they were very controversial at the time. Many people did not like them. But that wasn’t the most important thing to them. And it shouldn’t be our focus, either.
I hope as we start this year, we can have the wisdom to discern what the LORD would have us do in every situation, and the courage to actually do it. Guide us to speak with kindness, love, and truth. LORD give us your strength, boldness, and clarity in the midst of controversy (specifically when it comes to Biblical Truth). Help us be salt and light for our good (and the people around us), and Your glory.
Click on the images below to purchase Amazing Grace or Corrie Ten Boom’s, The Hiding Place!
CHECK OUT:
The Family Book Savings Club!
We have worked hard to put together a fantastic resource that includes awesome books for everyone in the family: Picture Books, Early Chapter Books, Middle/Elementary Books, and Young Adult (including parenting) Books! Get a month to month, pre-paid discount on books for your anyone and everyone in your family.
PLUS each membership is customized to your preferences! Cancel any time!
Click the button below to find out more!
