I know that as Christians, we sometimes get a little fussy when we feel the world is coming against us, but most often, the world is just being…well…worldly. Do we expect a zebra to lose it’s stripes and suddenly become a koala bear? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
So why do we demand people to be any different? Some of us know and love Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Many do not. And even those of us who do disagree far too often on the little things and totally forget the main points we agree on: Jesus died for you. And for me. And He freed us from bondage and slavery to sin. He is all about a relationship and not what we are or are not doing right. That matters, sure, but not as much as the relationship and the beautiful sacrifice He suffered for us.
My Facebook feed is currently blowing up over the Starbucks red cup controversy. Really? A controversy over the style of a disposable cup? Do you think Jesus came down and endured all He took on for the color and decor of a disposable cup?
“But it’s about Jesus and taking Him out of Christmas!” So what?! He didn’t come for Christmas. He came to earth for us. For people. To pay the price for sin so we don’t have to. It’s not about what you wear, what Bible version you read, who is or isn’t celebrating this or that…it is and always has been about love for people.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11&12 ESV
We don’t wrestle against people. Or Starbucks and their red holiday cup. Or what others choose to believe. Or what others choose to do. Our battleground is a spiritual place and I strongly suggest all this energy wasted on the “issues of today” be used instead on our knees praying for the people.
I don’t know about you, but my God is big enough to defend Himself. The Bible does not tell us to go out and defend your God against all manner of words and actions. No, it tells us or rather COMMANDS us to “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15&16 ESV) This is what we are meant to do. Give hope where there is none. You can’t do that while wasting time upset over little perceived snipes. I’ll say it again: The world will act worldly. Expect that. And focus on what God has called you to do.
One last thing to remember:
Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law? And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:36-39 ESV
Holly says
Amen Audra. Shared.
Audra Marie says
Thank you, Holly! And thanks for stopping by. 🙂
maliha says
🙂 thankyou for this article.