The Mixed Message of Muslims

Have you ever been given a mixed message by someone and tried to do what was needed but didn't have any success?  As a therapist I often see this dilemma from my clients.  On the one hand they are saying they want to change, but on the other hand the continue in destructive behavior.

The truth is that sometimes change is very slow, and so when it comes to following what followers of Islam do, I find it fascinating about all the mixed messages I read from the followers of this religion.

For example, in an article titled Muslims Rally for Christians we see that Muslims are coming to the defense of Christians.  As I've written before, most of the persecution against Christians comes from Islam.  So what is the message and why is it so mixed?

Who are the real followers of Islam - those who want to protect Christians or those who want to destroy them and all the Jews.

In the article Muslims Rally for Christians we read the following:

INDONESIA'S largest Muslim group has threatened to bring out thousands of militia members to protect Christians from Islamic hardliners who have forced the closure of more than a dozen churches.

Christian leaders say 15 churches have been shut by activists from two allied groups, the Anti Apostasy Movement (AGAP) and the Islamic Defenders.

The man coming to their aid is Hasyim Muzadi, the head of Nadlatul Ulama.

He says he is shocked by the lack of police protection for Christians and has vowed to bring out 100,000 members of his feared Banser militia to guard churches.

"There is no teaching in Islam that permits Muslims to disturb other religious groups," Mr Muzadi told local daily Koran Tempo.

The article continues:

Wienitas Sairen, deputy secretary general of the Indonesian Communion of Churches, accuses local police of standing by as white-robed members of the hardline alliance have wielded bamboo sticks and threatened Christians during their services.

Radical Muslim groups have defended the closures, accusing the Christians of operating without a permit.

But Mr Sairen said the church groups had obtained permits from the Religious Affairs Ministry in Jakarta to hold services in homes.

Problems had arisen because they were unable to obtain permission from local residents, most of whom are Muslim.

So the question is what Muslim's do you believe?  Christians, this is a time to pray for discernment and wisdom.  Be wise as a serpent and innocent as doves.  Because we have an enemy who roams around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour, and sometimes he looks like a brilliant angel.  Never forget that.