Greetings beloved,
Recently I have been chided by a particular family member for having become an Anglican priest. This family member (who will remain nameless out of respect) has told me on several occasions that I am "outside of God's will," and that "God isn't going to bless me because of it." This individual has said, "Anglicans believe in killing babies and homosexual unions, they even ordain homosexuals. God is going to rain down His wrath on the Anglicans." Of course as you could probably tell this person is a Pentecostal Christian.
Let me just say, I love this person and pray for them everyday. Furthermore, I'd like to share my thoughts on these subjects with you.
First and foremost, I became an Anglican priest because, after praying about it for a long time, and I sincerely feel that it is the will of God for my life. Besides, how is it that this person could know God's will for my life? Why would God share the intimate details of our personal relationship with Him, with another?
Second, I understand that the Anglican Church as a whole is presently in a state of derision and unrest as the Liberal minds contend with the Fundamentals over Church doctrine and policy. And I am well aware that some Anglican Churches are pro-choice and openly embrace the Gay, Lesbian and Transgender peoples. These are not my views, nor are they the views held by my particular communion.
Personally, I am pro life and I do not condone the sinful practice of homosexuality (for more on this issue, please read my next post).
Finally, I want to say that as much as I love this person, they pre-judged me based on their ignorance, or should I say based on their lack of information. If this family member, instead of immediately slandering me, would have taken the time to speak to me as a rational adult and asked me what I believe, or what my Anglican Communion believes concerning these issues they would have been gladly assured that we align ourselves with God's opinion as revealed in His Word.
As God's children, we need to breakdown prejudices whenever possible. Prejudice means to "prejudge" or "to make an estimation of someone or something without knowing the facts." Its a sign of weakness and indifference, not love and strength. Friends, if we could all be honest before God, there would be no prejudice and no slander.
So friends, let's endeavor, for the love of God, to be careful of what we say to others. The old adage still holds true; "A minute on the lips, a lifetime in the heart." Hurtful, slanderous words are like bullets fired from a gun, you can't take them back after the damage is done.
My prayer for all:
Almighty, loving Heavenly Father, You love each of us with a love that transcends all prejudicial barriers. Teach us to love others in this manner and forgive us for the times that we've judged others. Help us Lord to stand for the truth of Your Word, and to uphold your will for our lives. Purify our hearts and use us to draw others together into the bond of Christ's love. Amen!
Till next time.
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
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