Defending the faith is in the job description
If you’re a Christian, defending the faith isn’t an option. It’s part of your job…your commission. And the world is getting increasingly hostile toward us. So, how do you stay optimistic and keep a good attitude when most people don’t even wanna hear what you have to say? My recommendation is to model yourself after Paul…who modeled himself after the one true, living, loving Creator. Focus on Paul’s writings. If you’re a Christian, he wrote to YOU.
Paul talked about defending the faith, which, he said “…we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” He had met Jesus face to face after being totally convinced that Jesus was crucified and done away with. Imagine how your worldview would be shaken if you saw someone put to death…and then met them face to face at a later time. Don’t you think you might be persuaded to rethink your position?
Think about your unique way of defending the faith.
No one else has your exact way of saying something. Use your gifts to their fullest potential and stand up for the One who fell down for you. Keep in mind…we win. It might not be today, or tomorrow, or even this year. You might not win any arguments with unbelievers, but you will win in the final outcome. Take that to the bank.
Paul was so sure of this he was willing to suffer (and did suffer) torture, ridicule, and finally execution. Discover, all through Paul’s writings, a man so changed by his knowledge of God’s grace, through Jesus, that he couldn’t and wouldn’t be swayed. In fact, he stood up to the original apostles who walked with Jesus, and he told them where and when they were being hypocrites. You gotta know that wasn’t a popular position to take. But…
Don’t stand for something just because it’s popular.
Stand for your Christian faith because you know it’s right, just, and merciful to anyone who wants it. Remember, defending the faith is part of your job description. You’re not gonna win any popularity contests or special awards from the government. But you WILL be storing up treasures in Heaven…the kind of treasures that never rust, corrode, or simply fade away. The wages have already been paid for you. Are you working to earn them?
And I have to trust that my God is just.
And I feel my boldness increase.
I’m a dissident, and I’m an instrument
For the one true Way to peace.
(from the song “One True Way to Peace” in the Amen collection)
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