Shock and Indifference
Like so many of you, I look at the news these days in a weird state of both shock and indifference. How are those two responses even possible at the same time? As I’m writing, a quick check of my news app reports that another group of over 70 Christians have been kidnapped in the Middle East. It seems so wrong to just lift up a quick prayer and then go on my way, but what can I actually do about it? With each incident, our hearts get a little more callous to what’s becoming a new reality. What will it take to move us to action?Our grandparents and parents have seen many wars that our generation has been somewhat shielded from, but it’s our generation that’s facing a war on our faith. Not “one day”… now. Whether it’s ISIS making a statement closer to home or the stripping of America’s faith from within, we must wake up and decide how a woman of faith should respond.It’s appropriate for us to ask some tough questions of ourselves. No one’s looking, so don’t try to sugarcoat your answers…
- Why do you call yourself a Christian?
- Does your faith make enough of a difference to stand up for it?
- Why would you ever tell someone about Jesus?
Please don’t be offended by the questions. Your answers are enormously important, not only to the church and to God’s mission, but also to you.As I ask myself the same questions, I come to a commitment that, yes, I would stand up for my faith. Then it occurs to me: if I’d be willing to stand up for my faith, I must believe God’s Word. If I believe it, then why don’t I intentionally make sure those around me know what they’re missing? If we wait until we have to risk our lives for our faith before we live it out, we’ve wasted most of our mission.Today in my priority time, I was reminded of how bright our tomorrow is. Perhaps this description of what’s to come will encourage you as it did me. In Hebrews 12:22-24, the author contrasts the darkness and gloom of Mount Sinai to what we’ll encounter when we enter God’s presence as believers at Mount Zion. This is where we’re going:
- to the city of the living God;
- to the heavenly Jerusalem;
- to a place with a myriad of angels;
- to the general assembly and the church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven;
- to God, the Judge of all;
- to the spirits of the righteous made perfect;
- to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant.
Why does this description matter? It matters because as children of God, we’re seen as righteous through Jesus’ sacrifice. Now we have the opportunity to live righteous… that means we obey from a heart of love. That’s our assignment now. One day, we’ll then have our spirits made perfect.When I think about the woman living next door, the young man on my son’s football team who comes into our house several times a week, and my friend who attends church but seems to just go through the motions, I’m convicted that they could all have this same hope. The difference may be me.Putting on a sandwich board and parading the streets makes people think you’re crazy, but what about the people who you already know and have invested in? Give them a chance to know what could be. Love them well. Start changing this world one life at a time.[P.S. Please know that our Highpoint leaders are prayerfully considering how we should respond to the increasing attack on our faith and our freedom to live it out.]