Thursday; October 10

What do we do when we feel like people are giving us a hard time because of our religion?  Do we give up and complain that those who are anti-religious get all the breaks?  Do we retaliate against them and call them names (after all, we have to defend ourselves, don’t we)?  Interestingly, this question is not something new in the 21st century.  Since its inception, there have been people opposed to Christianity so there should be some good training about how we should react to persecution and opposition.  Interestingly, the people in the 1st Century may provide the most effective ways to deal with it.  First of all, they kept teaching.  Even if it meant that their detractors kept running them out of town.  An early Christian historian describes the persecution of the original believers then remarks, “Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4).  Yet, there is another bit of advice given to the early Christians is, “… but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.” (I Peter 3:15-16).  

Christians should be prepared to stand up for what they feel is right and, in doing so should expect opposition.  Let’s keep in mind that our job is not to stop the persecution, but to keep on doing what we are supposed to be doing. 

Think About It!

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