What would it take to make you compromise your convictions? Maybe not a complete abandonment of your faith, but just a little giving in to some course of action that you weren’t sure was OK? Would you do it if it meant that you would fit in better at school? If it meant that you could keep your job? If it meant that you would get an A on your next test? If it meant that you could download free music or games from the Internet?

Here was the situation: The Episcopal Church of the USA (ECUSA) ordained an actively gay bishop names Gene Robinson. The Anglican Church, which is almost identical to the Episcopal Church, in Uganda decided to sever its relationship with the ECUSA. When the church in Uganda was ready to install a new archbishop, the ECUSA planned to send a delegation to attend the event. They also offered to send financial aid that would relieve the suffering of many desperately poor people. Note to Americans: you have not seen poverty in this country. Some poor people here have it bad, but not like other places in the world.

Here is how the Rev. Canon Stanley Ntagali responded to the proposed delegation and financial assistance:

If we fall silent about what you have done promoting unbiblical sexual immorality and we overturn or ignore the decision to declare a severing of relationship with ECUSA, poor displaced persons will receive Aid. Here is our response: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not for sale, even among the poorest of us who have no money. Eternal life, obedience to Jesus Christ, and conforming to His Word are more important.

The Word of God is clear that you have chosen a course of separation that leads to spiritual destruction. Because we love you, we cannot let that go unanswered. If your hearts remain hardened to what the Bible clearly teaches, and your ears remain deaf to the cries of other Christians, genuine love demands that we do not pretend that everything is normal. As a result any delegation you send cannot be welcomed, received, or seated. Neither can we share fellowship or even receive desperately needed resources. If, however, you repent and return to the Lord, it would be an occasion of great joy.

That, friends, is playing hardball. Read over that response one more time and let it sink in.

Many people want tee ball Christianity. The rules aren’t too strict. It’s mostly about relationships and fun. No one really gets hurt. No one takes it too seriously. That’s not the type of Christianity Jesus taught. Let Ntagali’s response inspire you to disown all “rights” to comfort, acceptance, and worldly ambition, in order that you may follow Him who said, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”

If you’re interested, you can read the whole letter Uganda sent to the ECUSA.

Tags: Anglican, Christian living, church, convictions, discipleship, ethics, Gene Robinson, morality, rights