Articles
Of Politics and Preaching
We hear it constantly in the news. Let one political candidate offer a single criticism of his opponent’s position and the cry goes up, “Negative campaigning!” It has gotten to the point that no substantive discussion of political differences can be undertaken without someone making this objection.
In reality, such discussions are absolutely essential if we are to make a reasonable choice between those running for public office. Obviously, the, candidate himself will not discuss his questionable past performance, or his unpopular views on critical issues. If his opponent is not allowed to bring those things up, how can we know? How can we make the right choice?
Please make application of this same principle to the work of preaching the gospel. There are some who are constantly fuming about what they call “negative preaching.” Typically, this means that they oppose any teaching that specifies sin in people’s lives; anything that says, “you’re wrong, you need to do better.”
But, think for a moment. If those who teach and preach never deal with such subjects, how will people be informed and motivated to make needed changes in their lives? Can’t you see the vital need for “negative preaching?”
Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians was a ‘scorcher!’ That church was full of problems, and Paul hit every one of them. It wasn’t pleasant, but it had to be done. As a result, the people repented. And Paul wrote: “For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent... for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner…” .“ (2 Corinthians 7:8,9).
We need the truth - even when it exposes and rebukes our sins. Let’s demand it always!
