There is a lot of outrage over the 2024 Olympic opening in Paris. Most Christians are shocked and appalled by the flagrant display of Anti-Christian sentiment. Many Christians are angered. Some of you reading this may have been angered, or are still indignant at what you have heard and seen.
I am grateful to know that there are many Christians who are not apathetic when it comes to the honor of our Lord. Too many professing Christians live in an unaffected and uninterested way. Apathy can be an indication of a lack of spiritual life and vitality. Of course Christians are going to feel something, when our Lord is being mocked. Of course we are angered by the audacity of the enemy. However we must be careful of our outrage and anger, reminded of James 1:20 "the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." and Ephesians 4:26 "Be angry and do not sin."
God tells us that in Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
What are we to do as Christians in the midst of a hostile world? We are reminded by Paul in Philippians 1:27-29 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
What are we to do in the midst of a hostile world? Live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Don't let what the world is doing control your actions and emotions, but focus on your calling and way of life. You are called to worship and to serve God, not to be distracted by the enemy. Paul gives us three practical helps to live worthy of the gospel.
Continue to stand firm (persevere) in one spirit- Remember you are not alone. You are a member of the body of Christ. Persevere in one Spirit, with your brother's and sisters in Christ. Do not let the enemy successfully isolate you from the fellowship of the saints. God has provided this opportunity for the body of Christ to stand firm in one spirit.
Continue striving side by side for the faith of the gospel with one mind- As believers we share one calling and we are working and striving together for one purpose. We exist to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Let us stick to worshiping God in spirit and in truth. Let us understand the seriousness of our call to Worship God. (Will these events be the catalyst to get more Christians to attend the evening worship services? When the enemy rages, do you come together with fellow believers to worship? If you are absenting yourself from worship services are you striving side by side for the faith of the gospel with one mind? You might find that your brothers and sisters are encouraged that there is one more to strive alongside them.)
Do not be frightened by your opponents- Remember Psalm 2:4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. And remember the bold prayer of the believers in Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness. God's enemies cannot win. Our God rules over all, and that gives us great peace and comfort.
Continue then to live in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel! God is using your Christian living to demonstrate their destruction and your salvation. Because as Paul said, you have not only been granted to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for His sake. The Christian life is a life of suffering. We are not victims of our salvation, but Victors in Christ who conquered by suffering, and we are more than conquerors through Christ who strengthens us.
In Christ
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