The Offence of the Cross

'… then is the offence of the cross ceased.' Gal 5:11

‘You shouldn't say that!’ they chorused.

I was rounding off a lively debate on ‘what is wrong with smoking?’ with some young converts. The opinions were divided almost equally. One half felt there was nothing wrong with it as it was just a social habit while the other half just felt it was wrong. I had gone on to explain that smoking destroys our bodies which is God’s temple and if you destroy God’s temple He will destroy you.

‘But, that is what the Bible says’ I stuttered, surprised that any Christian will challenge the supremacy of God's Word

From the corner of my eye, I could see one mature believer chuckling. Thankfully, I could recall the Scripture reference- I Cor 3:17. Yet even after reading the passage, many still insisted I shouldn't have echoed the Bible’s opinion so succinctly. I could see where they were coming from. As a physician in the National Health Service, I am unable to tell patients ‘smoking kills’- as stated on the cigarette pack. Rather, I have to ask patients if they have ‘had any thoughts about the smoking habit’.

Let’s be clear, the Gospel does not set out to offend. It is Good News, the ‘nearly too good to be true news’- that God sent His Son to die for our sins. Whoever believes in Jesus is saved (Jn 3:16). But, whoever does not believe is condemned already (Jn 3:18). That is the not-so-good news that goes alongside the Good News. Both truths must go together to create a balance. Although the Gospel does not set out to offend, it does not shy away from offending.

As contemporary Christians, we find ourselves boxed into a corner and sometimes in an effort to avoid offending people; we remain silent on some of our core beliefs. Sometimes we even adapt our conversation in a secular environment just to blend in, forgetting it makes us like the proverbial salt that has lost its taste.

I recall having to go for a colleague’s send off at a pub. Although, I have nothing against the odd drink of alcohol, I personally do not drink at all. One colleague was so amazed at the sight of a grown man taking a soft drink at a pub that it created an opportunity to minister the Gospel to him!

The Apostle Paul did not shy away from the offence of the Gospel and neither should we or we’ll lose our cutting edge. I would be teaching the bitter truth again. I may apologise if it offends, but I will certainly not be diluting to taste.

It's amazing how that folks are gradually forgetting that the cross is the real essence of existence....

We live "x" number of years here on earth, we'll all must face the cross ➕ for a gateway into eternity... Which ever path or destiny we lived here...