Christians vs Falstians

If Jeremiah invented a term like “Fan-sumer“, I came up with the term “Falstians” - the false Christians who are abusing His Words.

I had wanted to pen this long ago, but religious teachings can be such a sensitive topic. For almost an hour, I was speaking to an elder from the Presbyterian church I used to be from. He called to ask how was I and as usual, I began throwing scenarios at him and in return, he never fails to enlighten me. Sometimes, the enlightenment makes me unhappy when I realised I have made the wrong decision over an obstacle. At other times, it brings a smile on my face knowing I have made decisions that I can proudly walk before His Cross and tell Him I have finally abide by His Words.

For many years, I have seen and encountered so many people plucking verses from the Bible readily to defend their deeds. As most Christian friends got to know me by now, I care little about how well you can memorize the Bible. I have only one single doubt, are you living by His Words?

I am never a perfect Christian nor am I a biblical scholar, that is why you hardly see me quote verses from the Bible. Instead, I often find myself breaking down the biblical words into simpler English. The other thing is, I never believe in using the Bible to defend my crimes and sins. For every sin committed, there is always a “catch”. Such that forgiveness is only the first half of the entire Christian’s journey. Anyone who throws the first part of a verse in my face without continuing to the second part, are probably the group of people I classify as “Falstians”.

Take this set of verses for example;

Ephesians 5: 22-24
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and He is the saviour of the body. Therefore, as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

For those who are not familiar with these (and I wonder why…), it appeared sexist and biased. Especially in modern times where women have begun to take a bigger role in the society and family structure, these 3 verses become their weapon to defeat any wrongdoings of their own. All in the argument that “the Bible is biased”.
Is the Bible really biased? Now read on the second part…

Ephesians 5: 25-30
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.

The fact, isn’t really about men being governed by 5 verses compared to the women’s 3 verses. It is how wives should love and submit to their husbands while AT THE SAME TIME, husbands must love and treasure their wives too. It always puzzles me on how people would often jump to the conclusion by reading only the first 3 verses.

Let me cite you another example of a verse that is so commonly misused to cover up one’s crimes or sins;

John 8: 4-7
They say unto Him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned; but what sayest thou?
This they said, tempting Him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
So when they continued asking, He lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

Just like the above scenario, this set of verses often become the chosen wall of defence against criticism. While it’s true that all of us are sinners and need forgiveness, something is still missing from the equation. Simply, the story doesn’t stops there.

Read on…

John 8: 10-11
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee; go, and sin no more.

What does the continuation implies then? Notice how it ended with 3 important words - SIN NO MORE? It is important to take note, nothing was mentioned that we are not allowed to identify crimes and sins. At the same time, these 3 words came right at the end not without a reason. If anyone feels it is acceptable to defend themselves of their sins using John 8: 7 or Ephesians 5: 22, it’s another sin on top of a previous sin.

This story is not only an example of how we should not condemn sinners, leading them to enlightenment; but also stipulates the condition of repentance and forgiveness. That is - to stop committing the same sin knowing that it’s wrong to do so. Never once, in this story of adultery that says we should not confess and admit to our sins or worst, using the Bible to defend our crimes.

Sometimes, I feel it’s such a disgrace when one starts using His Words to defend themselves for his own deeds. It’s like a police officer who uses the law to defend his bribery, isn’t it? It doesn’t matter if the sin was committed against me, but how can one go on his knees before His Cross and proclaim that they have tried their best to live by His Words of a “righteous life” and “salvation”? Not me certainly, maybe the “Falstians” can.

This is the first time I quote verses in my blog, and it’s unfortunate that the first time I do this would be - against my own fellow comrades. However, like I’ve said so many times… I will speak up against my own kind if I have to. I have no idea why I have always been afraid of speaking against my own kind, and I am not sure how many Christians feel the same as me. Perhaps, it’s that fear of one lone man against a group of “Falstians”. Afterall, I am not free of sins. Being equally guilty of sins, does that rule out the duty and responsibility to identify and spot sins?

I am thankful for such a call from an elder to come at such a time. Perhaps, it is God’s indication that I have made the right choice this time with that message coming through another beloved Son of His, my elder. Or perhaps, people should think twice about quoting verses in my face, especially quoting in parts and not the full story as related in the Bible. I am still learning… so join me please.

Like what Elder Heng said; It’s not a disgrace to mankind, but to himself and his Holy Father whom he calls - God. For now… Search Him, Know Him.

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Something tt i picked up from a wise fren's blog. thought i share it here.

Credits to Uncle Ed.