*Ammended*
Sometimes passion, when relayed in black and white words, comes off not necessarily as it is intended. Passion can feel harsh and lacking of the heart and compassion that truly are meant to be conveyed. After re-reading my post, I realized that the first couple of paragraphs seem harsh. They were not meant to be that way. I considered just rewriting them, but felt the need to explain my heart.
It is for you. It is for all of my brothers and sisters who passionately want to live in a way that brings glory to Christ. I ask that you hear that part of my heart. I do not mean to be harsh, critical, or accusatory. My heart is to look at what we do and compare it to scripture. This is a place I see contradiction. I ask myself the same questions, step back and examine my own thoughts, words, and actions and see if they're truly biblical, truly glorifying to the Lord.
That is my heart. And that is where this post comes from.
Dear American Christians,
Please, my dear brother and sister, stop shouting, lamenting, and claiming persecution. Unless you have been beaten, shot, burned out, run out, or robbed of everything because of your faith and wholehearted love and walk with Jesus, stop it-be conscious of how these things reflect on the Lord.
We Christians in America - many, not all - seem to have become vigilant, edge of the seat sitters looking out for any sign that we're being mistreated due to our faith. Then we shout it from the rooftops and see how much press we can get because of any slight or offense at any perception of such sign.
First, let me acknowledge that the mood of America has been and is changing. Unlike many (not all) of our country's first immigrants and founding fathers, the majority of those in charge and with the loudest voices do not have a foundation of faith in God. Long gone is respect for persons of faith and in its place has come a hatred of and disdain for faith. This is very true.
But this is not a cause for us to be up in arms.
Instead, we should first recognize and pray for our brothers and sisters who face true persecution around the world. Then we should rejoice that our persecution is just around the corner. We should expect it and wait for it with eager anticipation.
Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. Matthew 24:9
Around the world, our brothers and sisters are being tortured, kidnapped, chased out of their homes, arrested, beaten, and murdered. Let us have our eyes opened to their plight, pray for them, and do something for them. (http://www.persecution.com/)
There are things we can do every day.
And when persecution really comes to us - because dear brother and sister it is coming - let us behave as the early believers did: LET US REJOICE!
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way." Matthew 5:11-12
The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. Acts 5:41
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2
We are not to spew hatred, take to court, or try to best verbally those who desire to put us down, take our rights, or damage us in any way. Instead, we are to BLESS THEM!
But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. Luke 6:27-28
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Romans 12:14
So, my brothers and sisters, when persecution comes - in any form - let us follow the lead of those who walked with Jesus and counted it a privilege to suffer for His name.
Let us not shout to the world that we're under attack, let us instead shout the name of Jesus for all the world to hear!
Let us keep the focus on Him and proclaim to the world His saving grace, unending love, and unfailing mercy.
