I Am Not Ashamed!

Over the last week I've received chastisement for my blog from several different people. Despite what I have said on the blog about not letting personal attacks bother me, I actually let them get to me.  I assume the people who don't like my blog, or my way of going about things are going to say something to me. I most definitely welcome that.

This week has been quite busy and rather stressful providing Satan with perfect opportunities to buffet me. I've been working on several projects related to the blog, as well as the issues related to the ministry and the good ole' nine to five(I've actually never had one of these).  

These attacks, if you will, may have distracted me a little but once I was able to refocus, numerous passages and even modern stories came to mind about how believers would be rebuked for what they believe. Christians all around the world are persecuted daily for their beliefs. I think of the churches in China and other Communist countries where believers can face death for professing Christ.

In the USA though it's not so bad. Yes, sometimes we get insulted for going to church, sometimes we get kicked off someone's porch for sharing the gospel but is it really that bad in comparison? Unfortunately this is only part of it. The humbling reality is that these attacks won't just come from the world but believers as well.

Believers? Yes, professing Christians. This isn't just a modern day occurrence. People who profess Christ have been attacking other Christians since Christ walked this earth.  Christ Himself was slandered on several occasions when the Pharisee's called him demon possessed and a drunkard. Our own lord was condemned by people claiming to serve God. These were the same people who got ticked because He healed someone on the Sabbath.

Why do people do this though. Why do professing Christians attack other Christians. I think the answer is twofold.

First, some Christians believe that they are more spiritual and following Scripture more accurately so they feel that it is their duty to correct their fellow Christians. This perspective is commendable when the weaker brother is truly the weaker brother, but many times the situation arises where the weaker brother is the one throwing the blame. A lack of Biblical knowledge, or over analysis of Scripture can lead to this. Also a believers who takes their denomination's stance (Or your pastor's stance if you are an IFB) over Scripture fall into this trap. The Bible says to make sure that we have removed the moat from our own eye before going after someone else's sliver. Many believers find comfort in extra-Biblical exhortations and while they are not all bad, a conviction should never be elevated to the place of Scripture(see previous blog post).

The second reason some Christians attack other Christians is that they actually see the truth that the other side is saying, and get convicted so they become defensive. This is a common defense mechanism. It is so easy to bite off someone's head if you disagree with them, but it is even easier to become bitter when you realize the truth that is portrayed by what they say when it goes against everything you have ever heard and been taught.  

Regardless of the responses to our message, our message must remain true to Scripture. We must never allow our personal experiences or feelings determine what Scripture says. I for one am not ashamed of the message the Bible presents. I , for as long as God allows me to use this blog, will continue to post, continue to encourage, and continue to urge unto righteousness.

My prayer goes out for everyone who reads this blog. I pray that Scripture would be your guidepost, not other people's opinions. I pray that God would work in everyone who reads this blog, and that he would transform you into a person who can truly live a radical life.