Discussion, Debate, or Denial

My friend and former classmate, Carla, posted this comment on FaceBook.

“My take is there are so many marginalized groups - in fact holding traditional values and being a conservative (holding the fact that Christ died for my sins, that God hates sin and we shouldn't live in it, that The Bible is true and without error) Christians are not the majority like they were when I grew up.  It is a fact whenever I state my opinion and state either of these I am automatically ridiculed. That must be the only way some people can debate - minimize the others opinion. I want everyone to have freedom of speech and freedom of religion and freedom to not be ridiculed.  In one debate, someone asked me when was the last time I felt hate just because of the way I looked or acted. The truth is right when he asked the question. Every time I put my opinion out there.”

My response: “Well said Carla.  There are very few places, except inside a Bible believing church, where Christian’s can voice their opinions and concerns.  Contrary to popular media, we, as Christians, have become the marginalized.  Sinners don’t want to hear the truth about themselves. Even though we are all sinners, we know the TRUTH.  What the “outside” doesn’t realize is that it breaks our hearts to see so many trying to live in a “woke” culture when in reality they are burying their head in the sand.”

Where do I get a say in current events?  When does my opinion matter?  Where is the right place to be heard?  I often feel as If the only time I can express my voice, is when I’m “preaching to the choir”.  Recently, a post was made on FB that told about a situation that occurred right in my little town that I call home. It was about a young, foreign person, whom apparently spoke Russian instead of English, trespassing on private property. I knew the person posting the story.  I trusted his words.  The story itself was a little unnerving.  Living in a small town in rural NC gives me a certain sense of safety and comfort.  When you hear about trespassers on foot, speaking a foreign language that is not Hispanic, you get a little concerned.  I shared the story and let’s just say some were not happy with the poster or me for sharing the story.  I for one, appreciated the heads-up.  Getting local news this day and age is tantamount to a scavenger hunt.

Where does the line get drawn? When is keeping your neighbors safe and informed not a Christian thing?  Why was the poster’s opinion and judgment on the situation taken as unchristian like?  I was flummoxed!  The responses to the original post and to my comment were unexpected.  I was told that I assumed the worst.  I knew nothing about the trespasser or his intentions and especially not enough to speak intelligently about “his” circumstances.  Duh!  This was correct. But, does that negate the right to protect and defend our neighbors or ourselves?

Then it immediately hit me.  Who else was “shut down” when speaking the truth?  The disciples and Jesus himself were, on many occasions, told they were speaking blasphemy; told to leave town; told to not stir the pot; and were even attacked for trying to spread the truth.  How am I any different?  Yes, the circumstances are much different and the story being shared had nothing to do with the Gospel.  Was I sharing untruth or stirring the pot? 

During these uncertain times, we have no one to truly rely on except God himself.  He gives us discernment, wisdom, and mercy when needed.  It is easy to let our emotions to get the better of us but at the same time we are to look out for each other.  Satan does not always show up red-faced and horns showing. As a-matter-of-fact he rarely shows up that way.  He is a deceiver.  He will appear calm and non-hostile until he’s not.  He will be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.  We have no one except God himself to intervene and he can do it in a variety of ways; a still, small voice, a sixth sense in our gut (be careful of this one), wisdom from past experiences, or by sending someone to intervene in the moment (a friend visiting) as was the case.

Philippians 2:4-5 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus… 

I encourage you to read the rest of the chapter so as to not be taken out of context. Something to think about.