Be Respecting & Truthful in Your Witness

Word-Of-The-Day: ‘(15) But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (16) keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.’ (1 Peter 3:15-16)

I do not have anger or hatred for any of my ‘in-laws’, relatives, or friends who are agnostic or ignorant of God’s Word, or who may put up an argument using a point that is unbiblical, as the secular world sells the ‘live and let live’ principles that is used to promote moral ambivalence and progressive viewpoints upon Christian values.  However, this does not mean that I (or we) can simply lower my head and go ‘uh-huh’ when someone speaks untruths against the Word and God’s precepts. 

One secular quote: ‘God love gays and accepts them as they are.’  God does love gays as He loves all people, but He does not accept those who sin – those who go against His Word – unless they renounce and repent.  I can say this as the Bible says it (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13; Romans 1:26-27).  This is not said to condemn and ridicule, but to educate in the truth and hopefully give pause to those who have these contrary beliefs.  ‘More than one way to heaven’; no, there is only one viable way to gain God’s Eternal Life with Him, through Jesus (John 14:6).  Forget being a ‘good person’, one would have to be perfect, and the only one to be Perfect and fulfill the Law is Jesus, which points back to John 14:6.  One must accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, beyond ‘I believe’, to gain His Salvation.

We as Christians have the obligation to challenge that which the secular world gets wrong in terms of Godly, Biblical Truth.  With this obligation comes the realization we need to also know what we are talking about.  This is why it’s important to read and study your Bible, and to remain in fellowship with other Christians as ‘iron sharpens iron’ (Proverbs 27:17).  If you come against a statement made that you’re not sure of, it’s OK to say, ‘I don’t know about that, let me look at that and I will get back with you’.  (Make sure you follow up, though.) 

Will your feelings get hurt, will you be called names, will you be ridiculed?  Yes, more than likely.  Those who opposed God will walk away, laugh at you, or close the door in your face (or as I did in my days before Salvation, drop the garage door in someone’s face).  Nevertheless, maintain open communications – at least provide them the means to come to you when they need someone to ask, ‘how can I tap into this Jesus you know?’. 

Jesus Himself is an example; while on the cross, after being ridiculed and blasphemed by both thieves hanging next to him, one realized who Jesus was, and asked Him for forgiveness, after acknowledging that Jesus was Lord.  Jesus did not mock the man or turn his back, but instead welcomed him into His family with open arms.  Never give up, do what you can do to witness to those around you – friends, family, neighbors, even that old grouch cashier in grocery store.  All are in need and are worthy to receive His grace!