Critical?

Joseph K Stephen

4 November 2002

 

You say that I am critical,

And indeed this may be.

But what I say to you,

I also say to me.

 

If we know the truth

It is sin if it’s not done[i]

Ignorance may be bliss

But knowledge excuses none

 

It’s easy to close an eye

And pretend that we don’t see

The worldliness that abounds

In the Christian community

 

But while many won’t speak out

and instead would rather hide,

The Word of God is a two-edged sword,

Joints and marrow it will divide[ii].

 

One says we’re not to judge

And its just your point of view

God’s Word commands we prove all things[iii]

And evil to eschew[iv].

 

So if I cry against some thing

Know I’m guilty too

And God’s standard applies to me

As it applies to you.

 

So when we see that things aren’t right

That God’s Word is disobeyed,

Whoever it is that’s in the wrong

Let the truth  not go unsaid.

 

I expect that if you see

Me compromise the way,

That you too will speak out

for my conviction you will pray.

 

Know of a truth that it is so

When one law we break

That we are guilty of them all[v]

we fall short make no mistake[vi].

 

You may break this law

And I may break another

But in God’s eyes all have sinned

and need forgiveness from the Father.

 

My weakness you may not have

And yours may be my strength

But a weakness is a weakness:

Shun pride at any length.

 

This does not mean though

That correction is taboo

but speaking truth in love

is what we have to do[vii].

 

What should we expect then

From someone who bears God’s name

Surely they should depart from sin[viii]

And from appearance of evil abstain[ix]



[i] James 4:17

[ii] Hebrews 4:12

[iii] 1 Thessalonians 5:21

[iv] 1 Peter 3:11

[v] James 2:10-11

[vi] Romans 3:23

[vii] Ephesians 4:15

[viii] 2 Timothy 2:19

[ix] 1 Thessalonians 5:22

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