Exposed

A short while ago I wrote a piece entitled They Did It Again about the failure of the world to properly identify the Christian perspective. They'll call it "anti-gay" or "homophobic" or "discriminatory" or "intolerant", and none of that appears to be correct. In the (livelier than usual) comments a new commenter, Richard, said (among other things), "Fact is that we as Christians are called upon to silence heresy and blasphemers within the church and to pay no heed to those outside of it." This, of course, didn't go down well for those accused of heresy or blasphemy and was denied vigorously. So I was simply doing my normal reading and came across this.

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place... (Eph 5:4)

Oh, wait, no, that wasn't it. Oh, here it is.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.
(Eph 5:6-12)

The passage starts with Paul's concern about "empty words" that deceive. It's almost jarring that he doesn't merely warn against being deceived, but warns, "because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience." These deceptive words don't simply mislead. They produce wrath. That's not minor. So he warns further, "Do not become partners with them." Well, that kind of grates against the popularity of ecumenical folks who want to partner with those who operate on "empty words" that deceive, doesn't it? "Can't we all just get along?" "No," Paul says, "we can't."

Then Paul gives practical marching orders. "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness." Frankly, that's the same suggestion I hear from the advocates of redefining "marriage". "Well, if it bothers you, just don't do it." It appears on its face to say, "Leave them alone and you just be good." But I didn't complete the sentence. "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." Oh, now that's not what those operating in, condoning, or encouraging such works would suggest. As it turns out, it appears to be a command to do precisely what Richard's detractor denied. It appears to be a command to expose sin and error where it occurs.

But, then, that would presuppose that the Bible is true and right and those who love God and wish to follow Christ would wish to abide by what the Bible says, wouldn't it?

So, you decide. The voices of the world will tell you, "Let's just live and let live. We'll try to undercut your truth and existence at every opportunity we can and you just be quiet and let us be. How's that?" God's Word warns that listening to deceptive lies produces wrath. The voice of Scripture says, "Let no one deceive you" and "expose them." You pick which side is right.