The
world is an interesting place these days.
Social media has given people an incredible brazeness, where thoughtless
words and cruel remarks are thrown from behind the safety and anonymity of a
computer.
It’s
heartbreaking to watch. The pure poison that
is encapsulated in 140 word tweets or status updates can leave people feeling
shaken for merely sharing an opinion on a topic.
I
think this breakdown in purely polite and thoughtful communication online has
bled into relationships in general. In real
life, people seem to, more frequently, say what they want, when they want,
without regard to the feelings of another.
All
of this turmoil has left many simply refusing to get into the discussion. And there is wisdom in not joining in every
fight. We don’t have to comment on
everything we see or get in on every controversial discussion. And certain topics are far better broached in
person and in the context of relationship than online.
But…
I
also see that fear of conflict has caused thoughtful, wise Christians – and
ultimately, the Church at large - to lose their voice in some of the most
important topics of our day.
Because
we are worried about being perceived as judgmental and afraid of the insults
that will be hurled our way, we remain silent.
It’s understandable. The
onslaught that many believers have faced is vicious and unwarranted.
Satan
loves nothing more than for that fear to render us silent – that the Church
would be quiet in the face of the evil of our day because we are afraid of the
unhealthy reactions we are facing or the ways that we may be misunderstood.
I’m
reminded of one of the most quoted verses about fear, 2 Timothy 1:7:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but
of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Have you ever read the verses around verse 7? They provide an incredible context for the
times we are living in. 2 Timothy 1:6
says,
“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual
gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.”
Each of us has spiritual gifts God has given us, that
enables us to partner with God in bringing His Kingdom. Fear quenches the flames of this gift within
us!
God
has not called us to be fearful and timid!
He has called us to walk in “power,
love, and self-discipline.”
Power – we walk in
the power of the Holy Spirit, which is far beyond our frail humanity.
Love – the love of
God is the most important part of interacting with others. It’s what we’re to be known by and is
especially crucial when dealing with those over a controversial topic.
Self-discipline – is what we
need the most when choosing to engage in conversation with those who think so
very differently than we do! Whether
it’s other believers who we strongly disagree with or non-believers who believe
our precious Cross to be foolishness, we MUST have self-discipline that keeps
us from responding in our own flesh. It
is learning to ask the Holy Spirit to work the fruit of self control in our
lives. Then, when our buttons are
pushed, we are able to respond in love rather than simply react in emotion.
Some
versions translate self discipline as a sound mind. And we need that, too, don’t we? Not given to our own broken thinking, but
allowing God to transform us by changing the way that we think – especially
about others who hurt us or anger us with their words and opinions!
2
Timothy 1:8 is also crucial for us to understand.
“So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And
don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the
strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good
News.”
We
must not ever be ashamed of our Lord, His Word, or the Kingdom principles He
calls us to live by on this earth. We
are His ambassadors, not called to hold people to rules, but inviting them to
the wholeness and true freedom that life in God gives us.
There
are leaders today, like Paul, who are imprisoned for their faith. And in our own country, there are people
facing persecution for standing for righteousness – much of that persecution
coming from social media. Are we
standing, shoulder-to-shoulder, in support of the godly leaders who are
fighting the battle on the front lines?
They need our prayerful support!
But
the last line of verse 8 is the kicker – we must be ready to suffer for the Gospel.
That’s not a very popular idea right now. Taking a stand for the Kingdom of God
But
we don’t suffer in our own strength.
Paul is reminding us that it is God’s strength that enables us to face
suffering for the sake of Gospel.
We
have a culture that wants to run from what is uncomfortable, inconvenient or
painful. And I will be honest – I want
to run from those things, too. I crave
peace in my life. But true peace is not
the absence of conflict.
Jesus
reminds us that most things in His Kingdom are contrary to our human
thinking. In Matthew 5:10, Jesus says,
“Blessed
are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven
Or
as The Message version puts it,
“You’re
blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into
God’s Kingdom.”
I
don’t want to continue to walk comfortably in the kingdom of this world. I want to walk bravely, as an ambassador of
God’s Kingdom, proclaiming true life and freedom in Him.
And
when persecution comes – because it will – I will know that I am blessed,
because that persecution causes me to lean more heavily on Him and rely on God
for my identity and assurance.
Will
you join me in prayer, asking the Lord to give us power, love and a sound mind
as we engage the culture around us? God
has so much for us to do – and He will give us the courage to do it, in Jesus’
mighty Name! Amen!
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