We are all Pat Robertson

As a Christian I feel a need to defend my faith when people like Pat Robertson say stupid things. But on the other hand, I feel Jesus compelling me to tell both Christians and non-Christians that we shouldn't be so judgmental re: Pat Robertson, because we are all like him, the only difference is we are judging people on different issues that we have decided to become self-righteous about.

We are ALL like Pat Robertson, judgmental, discriminatory, with hate in our hearts for one another (us for Pat Robertson for being a complete douche bag, and him for those who don't live up to his version of righteousness). We are always judging one another, believing we are the better ones, when in reality only God can truly judge us.

"For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us." Isaiah 33:22

Believe it or not, I had a small tinge of happiness in my soul when I heard Rush Limbaugh may have had a heart attack (how horrible is that!). I have cursed out my husband. Wished harm on people I hardly know (bad drivers "just wait until you crash because you were following too closely, you deserved it!").

In reality, no one is 100% good. Evil lurkes inside all of us. Rich and I always discuss the fact that all humans are capable of murder. This fact is what has kept us separated from God for all of eternity.

I believe Jesus died so we all (that's every single imperfect human who ever walked the face of the earth) could have a chance of being in a relationship with God. No one can make it on their own merits, not Pat Robertson, not me, not even Mother Theresa. We've all judged others, lied, stealed, called people names, been greedy, or disobeyed God in some manner. It's impossible to be holy enough to enter heaven without a mediator, Jesus Christ, who paid the price for our sins. He took on our punishment, so we wouldn't have to.

Isaiah 53:4-6

"Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all."

The good thing is once you're in Heaven there is no hate, there is only love. There is no judgment from other humans, only peace with God. We will forget we ever had animosity towards one another. All we will know is God. God is love, he is the way, the truth and the life. To be in his presence in heaven will be in the presence of complete holiness and goodness.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" Revelation 21:4

I believe that to be the truth, whether or not Pat Robertson says stupid things. I say stupid things all the time that I'm sure God and other Christians may not agree with. I guess in the end the real question is what is his relationship with God like, what is in his heart. Only he and God can answer that one... It's so easy to say someone isn't a "real christian." But like I said before, am I a "real christian" when I'm cursing out my husband and not forgiving him for stupid stuff like leaving his jacket in the recyling bin (Don't ask!)?

I know I will continue to judge Pat Robertson and his big mouth, but I will try to bite my tongue, remembering I too am a sinner, with a knack of saying the wrong thing, and fall short of the glory of God. How many times have I said something to make myself feel better about myself, or something to make others feel negatively about someone else...

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

I will pray to God to to forgive me when I say stupid things. And I will pray to God to help me forgive Pat Robertson and other Christians I believe are tarnishing the Kingdom of God. If we can't forgive others, how can we expect God to forgive us. I know I need forgiveness.

The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.

"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'

"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.

"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

There's so much more I can say about this - but they'll be plenty of other opportunities to blog (about having a pure heart, the fruits of the spirit, loving the least among these, etc.)

Good night and God bless everyone, especially those in Haiti right now. Take shelter in God's loving arms. He is ready and willing to take on your burdens.

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." - Isaiah 68:19