Fighting With God (It's Not What You Think)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Ephesians 6:10-12

The other day, a couple colleagues of mine were telling me their disappointing Christian experiences.  One pointed out that there were relatives who would blast non-believers for their choice and then act in ways that were as sinful as anyone else.  Another who was distant from the faith because of its treatment toward gays asked how a faith could speak of love and yet be so dismissive of the LGBT community?  I wrote about being a Road Warriors for Christ a few weeks ago.  It was clear that this was a road game in a hostile environment.  Yet somehow, God was with me in that discussion because I answered in a way I had not done before.

Speaking to the friend with troubling relatives, I noted that some Christians are hypocritical of others, and that was wrong.  However, it is not fair for them to paint all Christians that way.  Furthermore, one must make their decision on faith based on their own relationship with God and not how others portray that relationship.  Then to the gay advocate, I simply said it is true that God’s word is clear against the homosexual lifestyle.  Furthermore I admitted it is something I struggle with because there are great people I know who are gay.  My goal as a Christian was never to judge.  It is to point them to God so their relationship can be determined.  Most of all, I am to love them with all of my heart as I would love God.  I could see that speaking from my heart had somewhat softened theirs because they knew what I was saying was not the hate filled overly critical views they had heard from Christians before.  It was a flawed and loving person who was helping them see the God they might not have agreed with but could understand.

Allowing God to shine through us is the best way to handle any conversation challenging our faith.  It is never easy when we are attacked at times in vicious and unacceptable ways.  However Hebrews 6:10 reminds us, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”  Trust that He will be with you in your most difficult battles.  How can you rely on God when questioned about your faith?  My prayer is that instead of fighting against God, we address our opposition fighting back with God.  Amen.