The "11th Commandment"

A Dangerous Trend

The "11th Commandment"

A Dangerous Trend

In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged within the Christian community. This trend, which is often referred to as the "11th Commandment" - "Thou shalt be nice" - has gained significant traction. This unwritten rule emphasizes niceness over the truth of God's Word and prioritizes avoiding offense over proclaiming the gospel's uncompromising message. This rise in popularity poses a significant danger to the integrity of Christian faith and practice.

The Roots of the "11th Commandment"

The roots of this so-called "11th Commandment" can be traced to a broader cultural shift that places a high value on tolerance and inclusivity. While these values are not inherently wrong, when they overshadow the truth of Scripture, they become problematic. The Bible calls us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), not to water down the truth in order to be perceived as loving. However, many Christians have embraced a version of love that is devoid of truth, leading to a form of Christianity that is more palatable to the world but less faithful to the gospel.

The Danger of Prioritizing Niceness Over Truth

The primary danger of prioritizing niceness over truth is that it leads to a compromised gospel. When Christians avoid speaking hard truths for fear of offending others, they dilute the message of the cross. The gospel is inherently offensive because it confronts sin and calls for repentance (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). When we prioritize niceness, we risk neglecting this essential aspect of the gospel.

Furthermore, this trend can lead to a lack of discernment within the church. When niceness becomes the highest virtue, the lines between truth and falsehood become blurred. Believers may be more inclined to accept false teachings and practices because they are presented in a kind and non-confrontational manner. This lack of discernment can lead to spiritual weakness and vulnerability within the body of Christ.

The "11th Commandment" in Practice

To illustrate how the "11th Commandment" plays out, consider the example of a church that embraces "friendship evangelism." This approach prioritizes building relationships and being nice to non-believers in hopes that they will eventually come to faith. While building relationships is important, the problem arises when the gospel message is never clearly communicated because the church fears offending its new friends.

In this scenario, church members might avoid discussing sin, repentance, and the need for a Savior because they do not want to jeopardize their relationships. As a result, non-believers may enjoy the friendship and community offered by the church but never hear the full gospel message. This approach, while well-intentioned, ultimately fails to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

A Call to Return to Biblical Truth

In light of the dangers posed by the rise of the "11th Commandment," it is crucial for Christians to return to a biblically grounded understanding of love and truth. True love does not shy away from speaking hard truths, but does so with compassion and humility. The Apostle Paul exhorts us to "preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:2).

As believers, we must resist the temptation to conform to the world's standards of niceness and instead hold fast to the truth of God's Word. This means being willing to speak the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. It means prioritizing faithfulness to Scripture over societal approval. In doing so, we will uphold the integrity of the gospel and fulfill our commission as soldiers of the cross (2 Timothy 2:3-4).

Conclusion

The rise of the "11th Commandment" within the Christian community is a cause for concern. By prioritizing niceness over truth, we risk compromising the gospel message and failing in our mission to make disciples of all nations. Let us commit to speaking the truth in love, holding fast to the Word of God, and proclaiming the full gospel with boldness and compassion. In doing so, we will honor God be found walking worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called (Ephesians 4:1).