Why We Should Not Judge Hillary Clinton’s Relationship With Christ
I have no doubt that both Hillary Clinton and her pastor, Rev. Bill Shillady, believe that Clinton is a “deeply committed disciple of Christ.” Shillady, a United Methodist minister, said as much about her in an interview with Religion News recently.
When Rev. Shillady wrote in a letter to Clinton making the comparison between Clinton’s loss to Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election to the death and resurrection of Christ, I must admit that I was more than a bit taken aback. Considering the many causes Clinton has supported during her political career—including the killing of unborn babies—it is a bit difficult to swallow Shillady’s words that Clinton is a “deeply committed Christian.”
And when Shillady says, “She’s a good Methodist. Methodists don’t talk about their faith very much,” it’s a bit troubling. Doesn’t Jesus want us to share our faith with everyone?
But you know something? Hillary Clinton’s relationship with Jesus—or Rev. Shillady’s—is not for me to either judge or concern myself with. Ultimately, their relationship with Jesus is just that—between themselves and Jesus. The sooner some believers come to embrace that concept, the less quick the world will be to judge them—something many believers have so needlessly concerned themselves with these days.
I could quote Matthew 7:1-2, which says, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged. And with the measure you use, it will be measured again for you.” But, then, many take offense to that particular Scripture.
These days, I prefer Matthew 7:3-4, “And why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank that is in your own eye? Or, how will you say to your brother, ‘Let me pull the speck out of your eye,’ when a log is in your own eye?”
As anyone who knows me is aware, that hasn’t exactly been my character in the past. Chalk it up to spiritual immaturity and a simple desire to satisfy my flesh, but I used to be very judgmental and self-righteous. Ask just about anyone.
I slowly began to realize, however, that intimacy with Christ and growing spiritual maturity couldn’t co-exist in that atmosphere. I had plenty of logs in my own eye that needed removal. I have asked for forgiveness and try to repent, although I know I still stumble daily.
It’s not that I condone Hillary Clinton’s beliefs or her actions. It’s just that I have come to realize I am not her judge. I implore many in the church to adopt the same attitude.
In other words, as Dr. Steve Greene says, “Surround yourself with people who hold you to high standards.”
We need to get our own house in order, both personally and collectively as a body. But that’s another story.
Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” If Hillary Clinton and Rev. Bill Shillady are “in Christ Jesus,” there is no condemnation upon them. And if you are in Christ Jesus and walk according to the Spirit, there is no condemnation upon you, either.
Receive that with humility and joy today!
Shawn A. Akers is an editor for Charisma Media. {eoa}
