The labor some people put forth to "be offended" is only exceeded by the effort they themselves generate in order to offend others. Such implacable folks are never satisfied unless they have angered someone or demonstrated themselves sufficient hostility toward others. Someone opined, perhaps correctly, that Americans now live in the United States of the Offended. Yet the Psalmist wrote, "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them" (Psalm 119:165).
In a similar vein, the Apostle Paul, with the pen of inspiration, wrote, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18). Obviously there are some individuals with whom one cannot get along despite the greatest of efforts. But, Paul's words, "as much as lieth in you" suggest we should be willing to go the extra mile with even the most obnoxious persons in order to "live peaceably with all men."
Several years ago actor Robert Conrad starred in a television commercial wherein he placed a chip on his shoulder in advertising for a specific product. The commercial concluded with Conrad challenging viewers to, "Knock it off - I dare you." Perhaps we are all familiar with some who wear the proverbial chip on their shoulder, daring all who cross their path to "knock it off." These sad individuals are angry with everybody and their attitudes seem to suggest their desire for everyone to be mad with them.
They look to be offended, they love to be offended; yea, they live to be offended and/or to offend. These toxic characters take abnormal pride in their self-absorption and flaunt their uncanny ability to bring out the worst in others. You see, those who choose, yes choose, to live in a state of perpetual offense are never happy to go it alone. No, their desire is to bring others down with them.
Often we hear of those whom "got offended" and left a particular church. Though not a pastor myself, I believe I can say with much assurance that those men who are pastors tire of hearing about the latest person who was offended by the sermon delivered on a given Sunday morning. Pastors themselves are not exempt from the offense "bug" either. Many a pastor has undoubtedly spent some Monday morning carefully preparing a resignation letter only to chunk it in the waste basket at day's end.
I am simply suggesting that we live in a society today which cannot exist without being offended or offending in some form or another. This sinful world in which we find ourselves seems determined at every turn to develop new ways to offend Christians with startling little restraint. Today, God is denied, Jesus Christ is belittled, the Bible is doubted, Christians are mocked and unbelief is flaunted by a rebellious and gainsaying world. Their object? To offend.
This writer heard recently of a female student who was offended by the presence of a Christian symbol located in a frequently traveled corridor at her local high school. To her I say, "Get over it!" NFL quarterback Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos was routinely mocked this past season by late night comedians (so-called) as well as fellow NFL players for the simple act of praying on the sideline and for his unashamed testimony as a follower of Jesus Christ.
American unbelievers in positions of power and prestige do not so much object to the mention of God occasionally, but they go ballistic when one invokes the name of Jesus Christ. They are "offended" by that name which is above every name and at which every knee shall ultimately bow (Phillipians 2:9-10).
Christians should bewail the rampant sin and wickedness so prevalent in society today, but believers should not be so quick to become offended at brothers and sisters in Christ. This is a huge problem sorely plaguing our churches. It is remarkably preposterous how little energy one must summon in order to offend some Christians in this end-time age.
Equally outrageous is how tiny an effort must be generated for offense to rear its ugly head within families. Consider the words of Micah the prophet (repeated by Jesus) and see if they do not ring true in many instances today: "For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house" (Micah 7:6). How sad and tragic is the truth of Micah's words.
To the reader I ask, how is it with you? Are you one that is easily offended, never taking the opportunity to even consider the possibility that you yourself may have been the one in the wrong? Do you and I look for offenses beneath every tree or under every rock, or do we seek peace? Ironic though it may be, easily offended people are often the very ones who are most eager to offend. If one is in constant pursuit of becoming offended, it is certain they will not have to travel far to find it.
Two weeks ago upon entering a DOLLAR GENERAL store this writer observed a deacon from a church wherein I formerly held membership sitting nearby in his vehicle. As I exited the store I could not help but notice that this gentleman had taken the necessary precaution to preven eye contact with yours truly thereby negating the possibility of speaking and the obligatory waive of "hello". Was this man offended that I no longer attended his church? I do not know, but in many instances actions such as his denote one who is perfectly content to harbor an offense.
Let us not live our lives in this manner. Let us resolve today to be a reconciler rather than a reviler. Let us seek to unite instead of divide where at all possible. To be sure, there will be times when our best human efforts to reconcile a grievance will be furiously rejected, but let us not become bitter and live the remainder of our days being offended.
Pastor Bobby Roberson once told the story of riding to a certain location accompanied by the late Evangelist Lester Roloff. While jesting with Brother Roloff, Dr. Roberson felt in his spirit that he had offended the well-known evangelist and commenced to apologizing. According to Dr. Roberson, Lester Roloff replied, "If you offend me, it's my fault, not yours. I'm supposed to be dead to self, and dead men can't get offended."
The reason so many experience defeat, unhappiness and dwell continually on those who have offended them is simply this: they have not totally died to self. God help us to crucify the flesh daily, thereby clearing the way to live "peaceably with all men."
"And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men." ~ Acts 24:16
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