Oh, I hear where they’re coming from.
But I don’t understand why so many professing Christians choose to adorn themselves and their message with uber-casual attitudes, unyielding rebellious spirits, a self-centered youth culture, a dark atmosphere, painfully loud music, hooded eyes, and in some cases tattoos and piercings.
They look like they need the Gospel.
They claim to preach it.
I understand their mission, but I reserve the right, in Christian love, to disagree with it.
They are trying to be both dark and light:
- Dark so they win the confidence of the world to themselves.
- Light so they can bring the world to Jesus.
Does it work that way?
The Lord Jesus Christ has always been divisive, a polarizing Spirit of Grace and Truth. In Him is no darkness at all (Job 34:22; I John 1:5). True light drives away darkness. Light cannot successfully masquerade as darkness. Those who love the darkness and hate the light (and vice versa) won’t be fooled by the charade.
Perhaps some people would call a Christian's dark side “salt.” But salt that has lost its distinctive flavor is no longer salty. It’s a dead chemical compound. It looks like salt, but it tastes like nothing, and is good for nothing. (See Matthew 5:13.)
"Let your Christianity be so unmistakeable and your walk so straightforward, that all who see you may have no doubt whose you are and whom you serve" (J.C. Ryle).
Love God and love your neighbor enough to witness to the only True Light. Walk in the light as HE is in the light.
