Andy Stanley delivered an incredible message on the difference between making a point and making a difference, particularly in light of our upcoming political climate. Here are his statements:
- Christians view faith through the filter of our politics instead of politics through our faith.
- The first sermon I ever heard on homosexuality I preached (at age 26).
- We were good at making a point. We just didn’t make a difference.
- There is a difference between telling a kid they’re doing wrong and inspiring them to do right.
- Neither Jesus nor Paul were not content to simply make a point.
- It’s fun to make a point. It’s hard to make a difference.
Facts about Jesus and Paul:
1. They constantly leaned in relationally with those they disagreed with the most.
2. They were constantly at odds with the religious right.
- You must have the moral authority and will to say “No”.
- The “point” preaching was directed at the Pharisees, not the lost.
3. They were not concerned about guilt by association.
- You can’t influence without association.
- We’re not here to please people who always agree with us.
4. They didn’t judge non-Christians for acting like non-Christians.
- Do not leverage your faith to make a political point.
- In Roman times, Christian marriages were the safest place for women. They were the safest place for children. Christians were the best employees to hire.
- If we out-compassion, out-serve, and out-give everyone, there is nothing Christians can’t do.
1. Do not take a public stand on everything the public wants you to take a stand on.
- There are questions you should never answer.
2. Do not fear guilt by association.
- We walk toward the messes.
- We have more conversations and fewer policies.
3. Do not attempt to police behavior of people who don’t agree with us.
- Our mission isn’t to return America to Colonial times. Our mission is to preach Jesus is the Son of God, died and was buried for our sins, and rose from the dead.
- Wouldn’t it be great if people said Christians were the nicest, most compassionate, most generous, leave your wallet on the street and they’ll return it to you, and that it’s all about Jesus people?
4. When political and cultural issues intersect, talk about it in a way that Christians should act.