No Defense

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.  1 Peter 2:12  

This morning before church I was reading some news articles on the internet.  The main point of one article is that, despite the recent "end of the world debacle," evangelical Christians deserve respect.

I was amazed at the comments from readers that followed the articles.  There was vicious obscene name calling against Christians.  Dozens of people shared the view that Christians are the cause of all the world's problems.

I am well aware that there is malice against the children of God and that Christians are martyred daily around the world.  I don't know why, but today, these hateful words struck me deeply.  I knew there was no use in using logic to try to convince these people.

I felt helpless as they slandered my brothers and sisters and my God.  I decided I was done with the internet, done with blogging and done with the world.  I would retreat into my safe haven of home and church. No longer would I put my thoughts and expressions of faith in a venue that was open to such attack.

Then I went to church.  Today's message came from 1 Peter 2 and was full of wisdom.

It is clear that the world needs the love of Christ shown through His people.  Even those who will never accept us or the words we say, need to hear and see us.  We need to represent Christ in such a way that they have no defense for their behavior.  There will come a day when they have to answer for it.  I pray they turn to the Truth before then.  However, if they do not, I pray that my actions are in no way a cause of their rebellion.