Christians Under a Microscope - Mel Gibson's Antics

Mel Gibson’s anti-Semitic tirade at his recent DUI arrest does more damage to the Christian cause than anything the liberal left could possibly think up.

Because of his powerful movie, The Passion, he has been elevated almost to a “Sheep among Wolves” figure in Hollywood, and he himself and his work on the film has been overemphasized by Christians rather than focusing on the events of Christ’s life that were depicted in the film. Mel, after all, is just a sinner deserving hell like the rest of us. Is he saved? I certainly can’t make that determination. But I know God can use the foolish and the lost to accomplish his purpose, so Mel’s salvation (or not) is irrelevant as far as the movie itself is concerned, but his claim to be a Christian is heavily damaging to the body of Christ because of his lifestyle, language, and anti-Jewish stance. Being inebriated does not change one’s core personality – it merely eliminates inhibitions on things that a sober person would inwardly like to do, but restrains from doing for fear of embarrassment, loss of respect, or fear of consequences. His public apology is not enough. And if I were to gain an audience with Mr. Gibson, I would urge him to search his soul and seek God’s guidance to see whether or not his salvation was real, based on faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), or a counterfeit based on works (Matthew 7:22-23).

As the events of the end times escalate, we Christians will be watched more closely than ever before by our lost friends and family. The media and liberal special interest groups, as well as apostate churches, will be pointing their fingers at the “right wing fundamentalist extremists” and labeling us “haters”, “holier-than-thou”, “judgmental”, “narrow-minded”, “hypocritical”, and so on. We must strive more than ever to be surrendered to the Holy Spirit and not on ourselves. We should be the best neighbors, the best workers, the first to help when it is needed, the first to offer comfort to those in sorrow. We should allow the love of Jesus to so exude from us that others will notice the difference. The more known we are, the more important it is to present a living example of Christ in us.

When we stand for our faith and against sin, we must be bold, but not hateful. We must not waiver or compromise, but we must not appear “holier than thou”. After all, we’re saved and going to heaven not because of our actions or “goodness” (Titus 2:5), but because our Savior has bought and paid for us through the cross. (1 Corinthians 6:20)

There can be no hate in our lives. (1 John 2:9; 4:20)

We must resist the temptation to get into debates about our faith (Proverbs 14:7; 2 Timothy 2:14)

We must be ready to share our faith lovingly at any time (1 Peter 3:15)

We must depend on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. (Galatians 5:25)

Scripture References

Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Matthew 7:22-23: Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Titus 3:5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

1 Corinthians 6:20: For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 John 2:9: He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

1 John 4:20: 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?

Proverbs 14:7: Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

2 Timothy 2:14: Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

1 Peter 3:15: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Galatians 5:25: If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.