Many years ago, my mother-in-law gave me a small tract-like booklet. It was called “Others May, You Cannot”. Written by G. D Watson many years ago, I have it hanging in my office, so that I can look at it over and over again. It’s too long to put in a Chaplain’s Chat, but I would encourage you to look it up and read it for yourself.
In a nutshell, it encourages believers to take a stand, to get to that point in our lives that we decide “…to really be like Jesus in all your spirit…”, regardless of what the people around us are doing. I have found out that making that decision to live as Christ dictates, causes me to scrutinize my life and standards. As I have begun to inspect my life, I found that Scripture directs us to do so: “Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the Lord” (Lamentations 3:40)
With all the social unrest in the world, it has become imperative for us, as Christians, to take a stand, decide which side we are on. Are we on the side of light or dark – righteousness or lawlessness? If light/righteousness, then the Word should take center stage. Christ’s commands should be what we strive to follow. The Word admonishes us: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God…” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)
Our mandate as Christians, is to be separate – to be different – so that we attract others by our uniqueness. We have to be okay with being different when living an authentic life for Christ. This means doing the right thing, regardless of the sacrifices to ourselves or our lifestyles. When we act differently from the world, people will want to know why. When they see the peace with which we walk through this world, they will want to know how. When they see the pure love believers have for one another, they will want to know what happened to us.
Knowing the questions are going to come, we believers must “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. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” (I Peter 3:15-17)
Yes, even being willing to suffer. As Christ suffered for the forgiveness of our many sins, we must be willing to suffer if that will further the cause of Christ.
Now, with Paul I can attest, I have not “…already attained, or am already perfected…” there is still much I have to learn and much the Lord needs to work on, but I am committed to pressing forward, “…that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12b)
It is more important than ever to decide which side we are on – Light or Dark, Good or Evil, Christ or the devil. Are you willing to take a stand?
Standing tall and trusting Him through it all!
Chaplain Robin