WHY IT NO LONGER REALLY MATTERS

"There can only be two basic loves, the love of God unto the forgetfulness of self, or the love of self unto the forgetfulness and denial of God." - Thomas Merton

It's a challenge to step out in faith and live the life God calls the Christian to live. I think that may be the most understated sentences I will ever write. I could write volumes about that subject, but what I'm talking about here is living Christianity in today's world. 'Jesus Freak' used to be an insult, but now it's hip. However, there's a slew of other things that people call Christians that will never be hip. Of course, in parts of the world, not only will the Christian be called names, but there's a good chance they will be killed for their proclimation of the Savior.
I can't pretend to know what that's like. As of now, we are relatively safe in America. Not safe from name-calling and occassional harassment, but safe from death. But what happens here can make it a challenge to witness and speak of the Lord. I know what mainstream media thinks about me. I read the articles that put words like 'alleged' and 'supposed' in front of 'faith' and 'truth.' Heck, I even know what some of my family thinks about me. It took months for me to convince them I wasn't in a cult. Still, when I mention my life, I still hear the unpleasant silence that indicates their uncomfortability.
Nonetheless, I'm called to actively live my faith everyday. I think it's tough to dodge hurled insults; would I last a day when I would fear death speaking the name of the Lord? I used to fear what friends and family would think about me. I tried to tone down the truth. With my in-laws? Forget it. I'll leave the witnessing to my husband.
Then, I thought I'd get really upfront about my love of the Lord. I bought lots of Christian tee-shirts, I plastered my car with witnessing stickers. I would adamtely protest things that were 'Un-Christian.' Give me a break. I don't know who I was trying to be with my 'drive-by evangelism,' but I wasn't being true to my Lord.

SO, DO I HAVE A POINT?

"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they have been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 5.41-42

Do you see that? They were actually happy because the Lord had chosen them to suffer for Him. Can I say that? Here's another. It's long but it really makes a point:

"Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speak and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors, known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." Paul in 2 Corinthians 6.3-10

Does this life sound easy? No. It's not for someone who likes to blend in with the crowd. Sure, I hear what people say, and I have a good idea of how they think. But my choice, and yours, is who's opinion matters more. To those apostles who gladly wore the scars of shame, and for Paul; their choice is obvious. I want my choice to be obvious too. Think about it.