DON’T BE INTIMIDATED
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.
Philippians 1:28-30 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
As followers of Christ we have enemies. It is becoming clearer every day that in our western culture there are those who don’t want the truth to be presented. They claim to be open-minded, but they are only “open-minded” to those who share their views of human life, sexuality, and sexual identity. If someone chooses to take a biblical view of God’s plan for marriage, sexuality, or even behavior they are attacked as “narrow minded” or “ignorant.” Followers of Christ have always been and will always be persecuted. Sometimes it has taken the form of imprisonment, other times it is just verbal attacks. We should not be surprised that those whose deeds are sinful hate the light of truth. I do not think we should intentionally try to be abrasive or insulting to the people around us. But I also don’t think we should become so passive that we fail to speak up for truth when lies are being forced on our children and grandchildren. I believe God’s Word is truth. We should look to the Word of God and ask the Spirit of God to reveal how to apply that truth to our current culture. While I don’t want to be the person shouting on the street corner, I also don’t want to be the person who remains silent while the world is rushing toward destruction. It is only truth of God that will set people free. It has to be truth shared in love. But it must be truth. And, when we share this truth, we must be prepared to be attacked because of that truth. It will be a struggle. We won’t always get it right. But we must keep trying to balance truth and love.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit help me to know the truth and stand for the truth. Help me to speak Your truth with love. Don’t allow me to become angry or attacking but loving as I share Your truth.
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