A lot of people complain that things are getting more and more wicked in the world in which we live. And yet, that's exactly what the Bible says is going to happen; "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:" (2 Timothy 3:1).Now, that doesn't mean that we just sit by and say; "Oh my...." and do nothing. No...we have just as much power in our government as anyone else. We have the same opportunity to vote and run for office as any American has. And we serve a God who can set in authority those whom He wills. But instead of praying for our leaders and asking God to set new and right leaders into office, we gripe and complain at the decisions made by those whom we voted for. We fight and fume and boycott and act like a bunch of upset children.
Over the Christmas holidays there was quite an uproar about people saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". And people boycotted a major department store chain because they wouldn't let the Salvation Army stand out in front.
In the first place, people who have no relationship with Jesus Christ shouldn't . . .
I've become quite fed up with a lot of people who claim to be Christians lately. It seems they want to force "Christianity" upon everyone in the world, and yet at the same time they themselves don't want to live the way a true Christian is supposed to live.
A lot of people complain that things are getting more and more wicked in the world in which we live. And yet, that's exactly what the Bible says is going to happen; "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:" (2 Timothy 3:1).Now, that doesn't mean that we just sit by and say; "Oh my...." and do nothing. No...we have just as much power in our government as anyone else. We have the same opportunity to vote and run for office as any American has. And we serve a God who can set in authority those whom He wills. But instead of praying for our leaders and asking God to set new and right leaders into office, we gripe and complain at the decisions made by those whom we voted for. We fight and fume and boycott and act like a bunch of upset children.
Over the Christmas holidays there was quite an uproar about people saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". And people boycotted a major department store chain because they wouldn't let the Salvation Army stand out in front.
In the first place, people who have no relationship with Jesus Christ shouldn't be expected to participate in the celebration of the birth of our Savior. If they want to have Santa Claus and all their "Holiday" festivities in place of worshipping Christ - let them. Instead of getting angry at them, we should be acting in kindness and love. We should have such joy on our faces and in our lives that they wonder what we have that they don't have. And Hello! if a department store doesn't want to let people stand out in front of their store and ask for money, that's their decision to make. Boycotting them and acting like a bunch of spoiled babies doesn't do any good whatsoever.
The Bible plainly says; "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). It doesn't say scream and holler, boycott them, and sue them.
The major problem is, many people today who claim to be Christians don't live the way a true Christian ought to live.
This world's perception of Christianity isn't skewed because of Hollywood or because of the news media. This world's view of Christianity is messed up because so many people who claim that name don't live the least bit like a real Christian should live.
Just this week, there was a big fuss over a television program on Daniel that NBC aired. And people were complaining because the program made Christians out to be idiots. Well, I'm sorry to say, but in the world's eyes many Christians DO act like idiots. And if we don't like what the world portrays as Christian, change the channel! And then go on to live the way we should live and prove them wrong.
Someone once said; "If the world speaks evil of you, live so that no one will believe them."
The Bible plainly tells us: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed." (I Peter 2:21-23).
As a Christian, we are to be lights in a world of darkness, we are to shine forth as examples of how great our God is. We should have such a joy and happiness about us that the world hungers to know what we have that is different. We're supposed to follow Jesus Christ's example, but instead, we've taken Christ out of Christianity and created our own forms of religion, where we gripe and complain, push and shove, fight and argue, and act like a bunch of idiots. No wonder many people today can't stand "Christians".
If we don't like the way things are heading in our country, pray that God will give us leaders who will lead us back to Him. Of course, before we can expect God to answer that prayer, we've got a lot of "housecleaning" to do in our own personal lives as Christians, because if we're not following Jesus and living the way He commands us (not suggest us) to live, He has no obligation whatsoever to answer that prayer or any prayer.
What we need in America today is a revival and a turning back to God in Christian's lives, not in the world's lives. Maybe if we put Christ back into Christianity, more people would be interested in knowing more about what it is that makes us "different".
? 2006 - Joshua Goodling.
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About Joshua Goodling - At the age of four, Joshua was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only one week to live. That was over 34 years ago, so it's been a long week. He is now an inspirational and motivational speaker, seeking to encourage and inspire others to make a difference in today's world. You can visit his website at http://www.joshuagoodling.com. He is also the founder of http://www.inspiritnews.com. You can contact him at [email protected]