Threats
Has anyone ever cursed at you for what you believe?
"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:11-16
We are living in an age of division.
People not only have strong opinions, but they feel compelled to rise up against anyone who has an opposing view.
No longer do we debate and discuss issues. Instead, we take to the streets in protest, sometimes leading to violence.
Jesus warned that there would be those who persecute us for our beliefs, people who feel so strongly that they believe they have a right to condemn and attack others.
The antidote, he says, is to shine our light on all, to be clear what we stand for, in the hope that others will see the light and realize we are not a threat to them.
That is what it is all about, threats.
Those who rise up in anger are afraid their interests will go unheard, that their rights are being taken away, and I understand that.
Look at the people of the Ukraine who are being persecuted for wanting to live in freedom. They are shining their light to the world and it is up to all of us to see it and stand with them, if we believe in their right to be free.
Some may not.
What it boils down to is choice. We choose to be the way we are, and we can make whatever justification we choose to support our actions.
The question I think we must ask ourselves is whether we are acting out of fear and responding to a threat, and if so, is that threat real?
Or are we just afraid?
More to come...