OCS Ministry,
As believers in Jesus Christ we must to be led by the Holy Spirit not by emotions.
The topic of immigration both legal and illegal remains one of the most sensitive issues and at times, the fuel that ignites conflict among Christians.
As an American of Mexican origin I can attest that illegal immigration for a better job or to better one’s financial position is not a recognized international right.
The fact is if the objective is to relieve human poverty, the better solution in most cases is to export economic development to the countries of origin; that’s the Christian approach my spirit leads me to support. Weighing the costs and benefits of all immigration is complex. Immigrants often have valuable skills. Their cultures enrich our national life. Christians among them can renew our churches with their fervent faith. However, large-scale illegal immigration imposes burdens. Taxpayers bear new expenses for education, social services, health care, and law enforcement. Low-skill American workers find their wages depressed to some extent because of competition from immigrant labor. That’s the saddening part of the issue.
As an Evangelist and servant of Christ, I must remain prayerful and allow the Holy Spirit to lead me in a direction that glorifies His name and not tarnish it with emotional confusion.
As a servant of Christ my spirit impels me to obey the Lord’s commands to maintain the purity of the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1; Jude 1:3-4). As Christians we must “test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). It’s significant that, immediately following Paul’s abomination on apostates, he asks, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man?” (Galatians 1:10). At the heart of modern Christian unity there may exist a desire to please men instead of God.
Christians are called to unity, but we must use wisdom and apply the Living Word of God in all we do. Doctrine is paramount, especially when it concerns the person and work of Christ. Modern Christian efforts are often all too ready to part with biblical teachings. Therefore, we must be cautious when advocating potential lawlessness. If unity can be achieved without compromising fundamental Christian belief, then unity should be pursued. If it conflicts with the word of God we must avoid it like the plaque.
In Christ our Lord,
06/28/16