Walking in the Light

There are times that I get so upset or should I say angry about the way things in this country have changed ... taking prayer or God out of almost everything they can, abortion (which is really murder but they call it choice - which I have to say that except in the cases of rape, these women had a choice and they choose not to abstain... as in all life with certain choices come consequences... but this is the wrong way to deal with those consequences... after all we are talking about life, the life of a small baby. Even animals have more rights and protection in this country than an unborn baby). It is so sad!

On from those things to things like not saying "Merry Christmas" or "Christmas Tree" ... all these things and more have got me going... it is almost laughable because we are hated because we are viewed as intolerant... when it is those who hate us who are intolerant of Christians (not that there are not modern day Pharisees out there mind you) ... you can believe almost anything in this country and it is ok... well, unless you are a devout Christian. The irony...

But as I pause to reflect I remember what scripture tells me and why should I be so shocked...

Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.

- 1 John 3:13

18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ - John 15:18-25

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. " - Matt. 5:10-11

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

- John 3:16-21

1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self–control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God– 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. - 2 Timothy 3:1-5

We have been told ... why do we expect to be loved, respected, to have justice... When our Lord and Savior who was blameless, pure, without sin did not receive these things from the world. Yet when you look at his example, how He reacted and what His actions were, what does that say to you?

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

- Matt. 5:43-48

Now I am not saying that we do not stand up for what is right and speak truth... Jesus did these things... Let's remember Him in the Temple driving out the money changers declaring "My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’ ” Matt. 21:13.

He always spoke truth to the Pharisees, and we are told to look after, protect, defend, help the "helpless" (widows, orphans or modern day - the unborn)... However we should check our agendas at the door and seek to do God's will and to do these things in God's way... To ask what will bring more glory and honor to God? What will show the world truth in love?

Let us also remember forgiveness, mercy and love... Anyone can come to Christ and be saved... their sins forgiven and walk in the light... a child of God, loved and cherished - ANYONE! It does not matter what sins you have committed - in Christ you become a new creation... a new person, cleansed, free, loved!

Hummm - things to ponder, things to believe, things to live for... choices to make!