Being Loudest Does Not Give Advantage to Being Right

I continue to watch the goings on in society and see the horrifying actions of those promoting a cause. What I mean by horrifying is the move to loud obnoxious speech. Moves to violence. The defamation of those that do not simply agree. I find those actions appalling in that we are to be civilized as humans and yet we tend to act like savages in the attempt to get our way.

“¹⁶These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.” – Jude 1:16 (ESV)

Here Jude is referring to those that are out for their own selfish gain and in doing so, they are outside the will of God. I want to be clear in that there is certainly more to the book of Jude beyond just this one verse. I am simply focusing on this verse as an example of God’s Word and His references to those that are outside of His will.

As I look into society, I see these “loud-mouthed boasters” as they work to “gain advantage” from the rest of society. They are interested in “their own” thoughts and not the thoughts of others. They are out there working to get their own agenda through without thought to how that might impact others. They are simply looking out from themselves and not taking the approach of doing the work of God.

I will admit that it does feel as though as a Christian, I, and the rest of us, are not given a fair shake in society as we are more reserved and conservative in our approach. But I also see that as following the will and character of God. We are to work to get things done by civility and acceptance. We are not to take the hard line aggressive approach with others. We are to be bringing the glory to God and the glory of God to the people. We are not out here to bring our agenda, but His and His alone.

I have to remember the following from Jude in all that I do and the actions I take.

“¹⁷But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁸They said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.’ ¹⁹It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. ²⁰But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, ²¹keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” – Jude 1:17-21 (ESV)

I am here to do the will of God and not the will of man. When I keep my focus there, I have God on my side and know that I will gain “the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ”. My civility and love for all is where I gain the advantage, not in the condemnation of others. I am not here to judge others, I am here simply to bring the Lord to everyone and allow Him to do His work through the Holy Spirit in the lives of all who hear.

What advantage have you tried to gain by being bigger and louder than everyone else? Are you out there working for your agenda and not necessarily the will of God? What if you were to utilize civility and simply work to bring the gospel to all and allow that to be your advantage to gain “the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ”?