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As I've watched the news over recent months and even years, I can't help but notice all the division among the people of America today. So many issues have recently gotten our attention and caused us to react or respond in one way or another. At times, I feel very certain, myself included, that we have reacted out of heated emotions. Now, maybe we have regret, but should we? While each one has the liberty, yet, of thinking our own thoughts, and believing however we do, shouldn't we also have the same liberty to express those thoughts? I believe so.
There seems to be a stigma among Christians that we ought not say anything negative or disagree with status quo. We are made to feel out of place and out of line for speaking things given to us by God, Himself. We need to wake up, friends. We need to wake up to the fact that if we do not stick to the principles at stake, they may no longer exist. I know it takes courage to speak words of truth. Sometimes we will avoid truth if we know it will cause a disturbance or loss of a relationship. Doing so only prolongs the inevitable. We need to separate ourselves from whatever stands in the way of living a fruitful life for Jesus. But, what WOULD Jesus do?
On a recent occasion, where there were hurt feelings among some who are very dear to me, I spoke up. I defended what I know Jesus would have done in that particular situation. It did cost me…relationships. As painful as that was, I have asked myself in recent days if I would do the same thing all over again. With a resounding "YES", I believe with all my heart that I handled it right.
Even among Christians, there are so many topics that are under fire today. The bottom line, to me, is this: What WOULD Jesus do?? Many only know the gentle Jesus…the Jesus of love, mercy, kindness. I know that Jesus, too. Then, there's another facet of Him. He is also the God of justice, of tough love. Jesus was never afraid to address issues that needed addressing. At times, that did mean mercy, grace, and gentle love. At other times, it meant that He acted in ways that defended the things His Father sent Him to defend. And His Father applauded that.
Matthew 21: 12, 13 is an example. Two verses, but He certainly got His point across! It says:
Jesus went into the temple and threw out all those buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, "It is written, My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of thieves!"
Apparently, during a time of bringing sacrifices to the temple, there were wealthy, greedy men who were taking advantage of those who needed to purchase their animals for their own sacrifices, and these men were selling at exorbitant prices. Jesus wasted no time dealing with the issue, as His Father's name was at stake. Yes, Jesus got angry, and righteously so.
So, as Christians, it's okay to get angry? It certainly is! If our heavenly Father's name is at stake, yes, yes, and yes!! Not to forget, our lives are under scrutiny at every turn. There will always be somebody making a judgment about what they see in us, or don't see.
As I write, I am preparing for a ladies retreat at a cozy little cabin in the woods. Our topic is "Surrender". We will be searching our hearts and asking ourselves questions like, "Is there anything I hold dear, so dear, like my relationships, that I'm not willing to relinquish them if God is asking me to?" Is there ANYTHING, my possessions, my time, my health, ownership of my body…anything, that if the Lord wants to take these away from me, would I be willing to surrender to Him?
This brings to mind the story of Abraham and Isaac, his son. God asked Abraham to take his son and go up a mountain, build an altar, lay his son on that altar, and slay him! Such a horrific sacrifice! Abraham stood up, like the man of God he was, and met that demand, until….God stopped him from slaying his son! Now, why, why would God stop Isaac right before he was about to do the very thing He asked of Isaac?? This is why…God saw Isaac's heart! He saw that Isaac was "all in" for God! All in! Nothing, not even his own son, would he withhold from His God! Total surrender, and the Lord rewarded Isaac by sparing his son.
It wasn't so for Jesus! God did not spare His own Son, but WILLINGLY gave Him up for all of us…sinners saved by grace. Is there anything, anything then, that we should withhold from our God? Again, a resounding "No, never!" Why then, would we allow petty little disagreements to come between us? Such unnecessary pain, and all because both parties believe they are right on any given topic. Dear souls, WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?? Take time, before responding to insult, before it turns into a snowball effect that cannot be fixed, stop and ask yourself this question…Do I have the mind of Christ in how I'm feeling and what I'm about to say? Does it need to be said? Can I live with the consequences? What would Jesus do? He hit things head on and dealt with them, if what was happening was contrary to His ways. That WILL mean relinquishment of relationships at times. He never promised there would not be pain or separation from those whose hearts are not in tune with His. Maybe that would be a good start to a new way of living for each of us. Ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" Then, be still, in a quite place, and listen to His Voice. Hear HIS heart, and not the chatter of the world. Surrender all that isn't of Him. Do it willingly, with a glad heart. Why? Because we can't live for Jesus and be tangled up in the trials of this world at the same time. Just let your little light shine…til Jesus comes. The world will be such a better place for it.
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Debby Renninger is a freelance writer and inspirational speaker. She holds a Bible study in her home in McVeytown, where seeking women are always welcome. She may be reached at (717) 250-7086 for speaking engagements.