"I Say A Little Prayer For You": Osteen Bypasses Conviction For Cowardice

Joel Osteen is the poster child of a wimpy gospel that overemphasizes God's love to the point that God's wrath and holiness become cuss words. Recently, the pastor of the nation's largest church prayed at the inauguration of Houston's openly gay mayor thanking God that He had "raised her up." Though Osteen as made it "clear" that homosexuality is not "God's best" (whatever that means), he unwillingness to condemn open sin (whether it be homosexuality or something else) is showing him to be more of a politician than a pastor.

Politicians love the spotlight and follow polls. They speak flattering words in order to gain the approval of the crowd. They say the right things and tickle the ears of the people. In order to be loved by everyone, a politician must be able to know what he is talking about without actually saying anything. It seems Osteen has officially left the call of the pastor to speak, "thus says the LORD" in favor of a more scratch-and-sniff approach to "ministry."

So while appearing to disapprove of homosexuality, he is unwilling to condemn it. To make matters worse, by praying at the inauguration of Houston's lesbian mayor, Osteen appears (whether intentional or not) to approve of the mayor. This is the same trap that Pastor Rick Warren, also a leader of one of the nation's largest churches, fell into when he prayed at President Barack Obama's inauguration. In his prayer, Osteen said:

"God, we just thank You for raising her up. We honor her today and other elected officials. We count it a joy and an honor to be here."

Such is the language, not of a pastor with convictions that is dedicated to speaking the words of God, but one to afraid of truth less he hurt someones feelings. In an attempt to be open and loving, Osteen appears to be speaking out of both sides of his mouth. Homosexuality is not God's best and yet He is thankful for raising up not one of God's best to lead the city where he pastors.

The ministry of Osteen should be a reminder for every pastor and Christian to have the guts to know what they believe, be convicted by the truth (grounded in Scripture), and stand firm regardless of the arrows throw at us. By speaking out of both sides of our mouths, we reveal not our love, but our cowardice. Osteen has revealed that to him, faith has no boundaries by which it stands, and thus, it is no faith at all. Until Osteen is willing to preach the gospel and stand firm on truths that though might be considered offensive to some, are redemptive to many.

Until Osteens speaks out of conviction rooted in the character of God, then he only breathes lifeless air that may console for a now, will reap destruction on thousands, if not millions, of souls worldwide. Osteen may be popular now, but one must fear how many souls he is sending to hell with a smile on their faces.

For more:

USA Today - Joel Osteen Blesses Houston's New (Gay) Mayor Annise Parker

Examiner - Guess Who Prayed at the Inauguration of Houston's New Lesbian Mayor Annise Parker?

Politics Daily - Houston's First Gay Mayor Inaugurated With 'Life Partner' By Her Side


Above picture taken from the Examiner.