Allegedly, Charles Spurgeon invited D.L. Moody to speak at an event he hosted.
Moody accepted and preached the entire time about the evils of tobacco, and why the Lord doesn’t want Christians to smoke.
Spurgeon, an avid cigar smoker, was surprised at what seemed to be a cheap shot leveled by Moody, using the pulpit to condemn a fellow minister for violating an issue of personal conscience — Moody’s conscience.
When Moody finished preaching, Spurgeon walked up to the podium and said, “Mr. Moody, I’ll put down my cigars when you put down your fork.”
Moody was overweight.
Be careful the next time you take offense at another believer because you deem what they are doing or saying to be wrong, sinful, and “inappropriate,” when in fact, they are merely violating a personal, subjective standard of yours.
So the one who thinks rock music is “of the devil” and judges all who listen to it as being unspiritual is obsessed with football. And the person who believes that watching football is “of the devil” drinks wine. And the person who believes that drinking wine is sinful is a registered Democrat. And the person who believes that the Democratic party is “of the devil,” kills animals for recreation. And on and on it goes.
It’s time to re-read and practice Romans 14.
See also Are You a Peevish Christian?
Rethinking the Sinner’s Prayer
When all else fails Grace abounds in the fullness of Christ Jesus
Classic!
The story makes a great point. I’ve seen many relationships (and I’ve done it too) lost to an attitude of “if you would do _______________ then I would do _________________”?
So true, so true! I have been guilty of this myself. Thanks again Frank for writing Beyond Evangelical!
What a funny story, but while laughing a place in my heart knew how serious this problem is for all of us. Humor is usually built upon a solid reality. Thank you very much, Frank. I hope all who read this post see the depth of your words.
Great story. The world would be a better place if we can trust the Spirit to convict others instead of us being spiritual police. I do believe that the spirit will lead us at times to correct someone, but it will be out from His leading and it would be wrapped in love.
How to Correct Another Believer: https://www.frankviola.org/2012/05/21/howtocorrectanother/
Glad to see that the current spate of finger-pointing among the members of God’s family is an honored tradition.
That is too funny, but oh so unfortunately true!