Thursday; August 1

Have you noticed that it is easy for Christians to claim that the world is “persecuting” us?  We complain that we are being unjustly targeted for oppression and ridicule.  Typically, when we make this claim we do so stating that the cause is unfounded and based on our belief that those who do it do so because they just don’t like us or the stands we have taken.  While I am sure that that does happen, I also have to believe that sometimes we are our own worst enemies.  There are times when we bring some of the criticism on ourselves because we fail to act like the people we have been called to be.  If we are being treated unfairly because of the bias of unbelievers that is one thing, but when our misbehavior creates our own misery, that is something altogether different!
          When Paul instructed his protégé about what to teach those in his congregation he wrote, “Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:6-8).  As Christians, we are called to be good people doing good things – and whenever we deviate from that we can’t legitimately claim that we are being oppressed.  When we violate our principles we run the risk of being called on it, especially by those who are biased against us.  When we are mean or hypocritical, we lose our ability to feel abused.
          Let’s live our lives in a manner that makes it hard for others to find fault with us.  Let’s police those who claim to be Christians so that we won’t be painted with a broad brush of ridicule.
          Think About It!

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