I have never lived in another country. While I have visited countries where Christianity is not the primary faith, I have never actually taken up residence in a place where it is not at least professed as being the primary faith. America is all I have ever known. So is having a faith in Christ Jesus – Christianity – all I have ever known.
Never in my life have I experienced such hatred and nasty expression of speech and action towards Christ followers. Perhaps it was always there, but without a platform to attack – like social media, or media forms in general. Regardless of the forum used, I am amazed at how our culture appears to pride itself on “everything goes,” “tolerate everyone,” “equality for everyone,” and yet when it comes to faith and what (or who) people believe – this is true of all religions except Christianity. Christ followers are considered as the lowest of low. Blanket statements of hate or disgust are used to describe us, while the next post touts some sort of social justice for equal rights. For kindness.
I am blown away.
Most of the time, if I were honest, I am dying to respond. To defend my faith only by sharing my love for Jesus Christ and what He has done for me. I realize completely that I am still not a perfect person. Far from it. I also realize that my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are not perfect. They too, are a work in progress. And yet, I have seen and experienced what God- and ONLY God can do in redeeming the lives of those who give their hearts and lives to Him.
But I generally remain silent. I am married to a person who is impacted by my thoughts, and actions. My family is impacted by my ability to use my filters, and exercise wisdom. So is my church. My community.
My heart hurts just thinking about it all. Why? Because I am not ashamed of who I serve. And I hope, that in every aspect of my life, I allow God to be seen in me and through me. I love my Savior, and frankly, I know that He did not come just to die for me. He came to save all who would believe in Him. Choose Him. I want others to not only understand that truth, but fall in love with Jesus.
I know I am still a spiritual work in progress. I know that there is still room for growth. I know that I still blow it sometimes. Yet I also know that I love the LORD, and am trusting that He will continue to love me, provide for me, encourage me, and lead me.
“Yet I still belong to You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.” (Psalm 73:23-26)
Blessings!