This is one of many ponderings I've had recently. I had read of and saw protests. I have also heard of boycotts. They both seem like the right thing to do but is it what Jesus would do? He said give to Caesar what is Caesar's. I know when the temple was being desecrated He cleared it of the thieves. Jesus confronted the religious leaders of the day but He still attended the ceremonies. He cursed the fig tree when it produced no fruit.
Boycott means: To abstain from or act together in abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with as an expression of protest or disfavor or as a means of coercion. (Dictionary.com)
Yes this seems right and noble but is this the thing Jesus would do? Does He want us to fight against the corporations that sponsor abortion, gay rights, and pornography? I have heard of the effectiveness Focus on the Family has when they call for a boycott against a corporation or a call for action against a bill that could change our morals as a country. Millions of calls come in to the Senate or House of Representatives and the bill fails. They also have written and called corporations in an effort to have them stop supporting a cause or financing a group that supports immorality. Usually if their efforts go unresponsive they send out a call to boycott their product. They also send a clear message this is what they are doing and the reason behind it. Typically they give in before it even begins because they know the financial loss they would suffer.
This is an effective tool in this world's system but is it what Jesus would do? I'm just wondering...
***Here is a verse I read today that goes along with Focus on the Family's actions and if Jesus would boycott: Titus 3:9-11 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
1 month ago
1 comments:
Interesting thoughts Aaron. I've wondered the same thing myself...the Lord through Paul exhorts us to pursue peace with all men whenever possible...it's not always possible. In a different Scripture, Paul also points out the fact that at times there are "divisions among you" showing who is approved in his conduct and who is not. I think the intent of the Scripture you cited may have more to do with someone who is causing division within the church because he doesn't know how to get attention any other way. He focuses on words, legalities, and minute details instead of the heart and spirit of a person or a cause. I believe the heart and spirit of causes such as speaking out against companies who support abortion or companies who are cowtowing to gay rights organizations is worthy. At one point about a year ago, I told a friend that I thought Jay Sekulow's ministry wasn't that significant (AFA); I think I would retract that statement at this point. Sending out the message to these companies sends a clear message: We are part of your consumer group and we will not associate ourselves with you if you are not going to respect our views and beliefs enough to at least remain neutral on some of these controversial issues (controversial from the world's point of view). If you value the approval of the minority group you are seeking to please in hopes that the world will see you as promoting equality and tolerance in business more than you value our business, then we will simply find another company who offers a comparable product to meet our needs. That's one positive to living in our country versus a country such as the old Soviet Untion, East Germany, or China. When we have a choice in the matter, I believe we have a responsibility to at least pray and see if it's a cause the Lord feels is worth taking up or fighting for. I might speak differently if I lived in a different country or was from a different culture...but we enjoy freedoms in the U.S. that few other places have ever experienced. That's it for now bro. Good thoughts. I appreciate you:) Have a great day/night or whatever part of the twenty four hour cycle you're in when you read this.
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