Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. (Rev 22:15)
As of late last night, I was accused of being a liar...of not being a Christian, of hiding behind my "church" and using it as an excuse not to engage in something I know to be wrong and against God's commands. I didn't quite understand all the words being spoken to me and they could not be satisfactorily explained to me. All that was said that I was a liar and that I "did someone wrong - twice". It was never my intention to "hurt", but it was my intention to remain true to the word of God - some people just don't understand that.
Part of being a Christian is to reach out to the lost and attempt to bring them into the light. By doing so, we must not compromise our beliefs, nor should we compromise our moral standards. So when do you know when it's time to close the door? This verse of scripture tells us very plainly that we are not to associate with those who are "outside". Sometimes that is a very tough pill to swallow...especially when those "dogs" are people you have known your entire life, members of your family or people that you work with and must interact with on a daily basis.
To knowingly, willingly and deliberately sin is more deadly than the sin itself. It shows a lack of respect for the authority of the God who created us. He knows we will sin, thus the reason He sent us Jesus. When we defy Him outright - when we engage in behaviors and actions that are strictly forbidden and can bring only disgust to our Heavenly Father - we take the chance of closing a door that we need to remain open...the door between Him and us. So, what are our options? Are we to be termed "religious fanatic" and block out every human that does not abide by the letter of God's law? Do we delete people from our lives simply because they sin? Believe it or not, the answer is quite simple.
We don't need the acceptance of any man or woman on this planet. It is nice to have friends - but are they friends or are they trophies...do they make friends or take hostages? Do they hold your past mistakes above your head or do they forgive and allow a new relationship to develop? Are they participating in and encouraging you to involve yourself in things that you know are forbidden? Are they challenging your beliefs by attempting to convince you that God is wrong and that the Bible doesn't mean what it says or what you know it to mean? If they are, it's time to close the door and walk away.
We will suffer because of Him. We will be ridiculed because Him. We will be laughed at and shunned because of Him. We will be persecuted because of Him. We will live...because of Him - Jesus! Do not let the enemy discourage you from your walk. Don't let him convince you that the "dogs" outside are right and that you are wrong. Stand firm in your faith, stand tall in your devotion to Jesus. Know that the "hurt" you've inflicted can and will be forgiven - all you need to do is ask. Satan would have you relive the guilt for it over and over again, but know that you do not need to explain your actions when they founded on the rock of salvation. He is the liar, not God! Maybe you could have gone about it in a different way, but the fact is...it's done...close the door and walk away! Apologize only for what you do that is wrong - not for what is right...never apologize for being a Christian - and never apologize for upholding the word of God!
