I saw this story a couple days ago when it first broke, and have been chewing on all the implications based on the news story below. There is a lot we can learn from this unfortunate situation. I mainly have a lot of unanswered questions that can hopefully lead to some wise and spirit-led dialogue.
1. Why does protesting seem to be the first line of action we take when we disagree with something?
The church has been protesting the strip club for four years non-stop. The owner definitely gets the message they are not welcome. Does he get the message that Christ loves him and can forgive him, no matter what he has done? Has the church seen spiritual fruit from their protesting efforts?
2. Is this damaging to the church’s other ministry efforts in the community?
No one wants to be associated with “that church”. You know which one it is in your community. When someone says ” I go to _________,” and your response is “ohhhhh…” Ongoing grudges against “evil” can sometimes break down to rearranging deck chairs on the titanic before we even realize it.
3. Are we treating them to the grace and mercy that God has given to us?
We often focus on the actions of those we stand against that we forget that they are also made in the image of God and are deserving of the same Grace and Mercy that God extends to each one of us. We cannot call unbelievers trash (and worse) one minute, then turn around and tell them Jesus loves them the next. It will not work. the walls will go up, and you will have lost an opportunity to show God’s love and THEN tell them about His plan for their life. Life is too short for this kind of shenanigans. We must be about the Father’s business.
If you are interested, below is a link to the original story: