Amongst many Christians there is a ‘doormat’ mentality, at least theoretically. These pastors and others say we must do whatever authorities tell us, and subject ourselves willingly to defamation, assault and even murder. They say we may not speak out, answer back, defend ourselves, or in any way harm others. Apart from being unrealistic, it is also hypocritical… the same pastors and others who think this way have no problem beating up their wives, speaking harshly to and about ‘members’, and doing whatever they wish in response to others. Does this one remedy ‘fit all’? Or do we need discretion and discernment instead of blind obedience to what might be a man-made totem?
Is the principle right, even if sinful Christians deny them? We will see what scripture actually says, and will find that the lame-duck approach to our lives by men with limp handshakes, has no true understanding of scripture. Personally, I have little time for pastors and teachers who make a virtue of having no backbone – they must stand firm at all costs and be a model to follow, not a bulk to hide behind.