Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Who We Are

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”  Daniel 3:16-18

Lately I feel convicted to talk about something that very few of us our comfortable with.  As a follower of Christ, I found that we struggle to fit into a politically correct society.  We feel like it is taboo to mention that we are Christian while other groups are able to speak openly and freely about their lifestyle and promote their agenda.  Now before there is a debate on morality, I am a firm believer in both the diversity and inclusion of all people regardless of their sex, color, religion, or creed. Whatever you might feel, that is what I believe.  My point however focuses on what it should have always been; us as Christians.

Our mission as Christians is to represent the light of God in a way that honors Him. We are often characterized by the things we oppose.  However, we as a people do not oppose anyone’s choice.  As today’s verses point out, what we will say is we serve our God first and foremost.  No other.  Will there be causes that we passionately dispute?  Of course!  Yet all because my wife and I don’t always agree with how best to discipline our child does not mean we love each other or our daughter any less.  We are a people filled with hope, compassion, and love willing to give to all whether they believe or not.  We are not perfect, but we strive tirelessly to be better representatives of Jesus Christ, who indeed was perfect.  That is who we are, and it’s time we let the world know as much.


Over the next few weeks, my devotions will be centered on the idea of how we as followers of Christ can turn the tide against a world that sees us only for what we do not represent.  So let’s speak openly and honest.  We can be at times some combination of judgmental, hypocritical, exclusive, and devoid of love.  But this does not define us.  These are, like all sin, flaws that display our imperfections just like anyone else.  However, we strive to do better, and we have hope that we will continually grow and be better representatives of God.  It does not make us better than anyone else, but it states like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego unequivocally who we serve.  How will you respond when others question what you are for?  What will you do to better represent God in the discussion?  My prayer is when world begins to tear you down, we stand and say who we really are.  Amen.

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