Dogs are often called “man’s best friend.” Whether or not that is true, I suppose
depends on the dog and the man. Generally speaking though, they are most often loyal to their owner and make for great company.
However, when the roll is switched, it can get ugly.
From Chihuahuas to Jack Russell Terriers, these small dogs are high-strung “yappers.” At least that’s what I call them. Then there are larger dogs with a deeper bark and a more threatening persona. All size dogs can attack, but with different techniques and consequences.
Tragically, I have noticed a dog behavior in some who say they are Christians. In my opinion it is justified to confront evil, but it is not justified to just plain outright attack a brother, or sister, in Christ, because you may have a different viewpoint about a particular subject.
Have you noticed that spelling the word “dog” backwards spells “god?” Is it possible that some have inched up so high on their high-horse, they consider themselves to be gods?
A recent case in point is the attacks against Jonathan Cahn, the author of The Harbinger. I have already stated my view of The Harbinger in an article I wrote called “My Two Cents On The Harbinger.”
Upon continuing to read more reviews of Mr. Cahn’s book, it is sad that some, the minority certainly, are acting like dogs, or is it gods?
I get a mental picture of Mr. Cahn walking along a quiet neighborhood street, and as he passes one house a small yappy dog runs out to chew on his pant leg. Then at the next house another little yapper runs out. Then at the next house a large dog gallops out to chew on his arm, and then another one even larger comes forth going for his neck.
I do not know Mr. Cahn, and have never met him, so I have no axe to grind in this matter. I’m just presenting this as an example.
Christians, who are supposed to be brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, should not behave in this manner. I am not shy about calling a spade a spade, but do I have the unmitigated right to publicly attack my brother or sister in Christ? I think not. Those outside the Church are watching, and what they are seeing is not pretty.
I realize that this is a delicate issue. We cannot keep quiet toward a false gospel, but at the same time, we should not attempt to destroy the person. In this case though, The Harbinger is not a false gospel. I have read it, and I have seen the accompanying DVD. It is simply a legitimate method used by God, to provide a warning to us that we need to get our lives in order. It is not only a warning to us in America, but to anyone who will listen. I highly recommend it to one and all.
At this point I confess that I don’t have the scholarly credentials that some possess, but I know in my heart what is right and wrong.
I understand that some have negatively critiqued The Harbinger, but have never read the book or seen the DVD. Their excuse? Someone they follow came out against it, so they are against it too. I thought we were supposed to follow Christ. Did I miss the memo?
I also understand that others who are well known and loaded with religious credentials have attacked the book and the DVD, but never bothered to talk to their Christian brother first, and they are in a position to do so.
I can think of several religious books and Christian authors, pastors, etc. who I would not recommend, but don’t you think I should be careful on how I address the issue, if I do at all? There are several of these misguided authors, pastors, etc. who teach things that I loathe, but when confronting these issues, I should remember that the Internet especially is a very large bully pulpit.
Those who are in the limelight of the Christian community should especially be careful about what they say concerning fellow Christians, because (1) they (the accusers) have many followers, and (2) the world is watching. Now I, and most of the rest of us, are not center stage in the Christian community, but even we should be cautious about what we say, and particularly how we say it. None of us are perfect, and I’m sure we all miss the mark on occasion, but maybe we should think, before we open our mouth or type those words.
Again, let me reiterate that there is certainly nothing wrong with disagreeing with someone. That isn’t the issue. The issue is how we handle the disagreement.
Dogs can be very lovable animals. Little gods, I mean dogs, when out of control can also be a nuisance and dangerous.
May we sheath our sword, our tongue in this case, and use the sword of God, the Bible, which says;
“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” (1 John 4:20)
Look at it this way. Would we “put our wife down” in front of the whole world just because we think we’re right? If we would, we’re a cad. What about one of our children? Even if we’re right, would we purposely confront them publicly? Of course not! Would we not handle our disagreement in a more gentlemanly fashion, privately? Can we do any less for another person who we will be spending eternity with in Heaven, who is our brother or sister in Christ?
Let us disagree, but not be disagreeable. Let us warn our friends of the enemy if necessary, but be cautious. And remember …
“37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself [emphasis mine].” (Matthew 22:37-39)
Grant Phillips
