My Journey’s My Own

Devotional

Negativity, it’s going to happen because we live in a sin filled world. The question is, how to deal with it.

But before we dive into that, there’s another question…..you may not like it either.

Are you part of the problem or a part of the solution?

In my 49 years on this earth some of the most judgmental and rude people have been Christians. Some even have the nerve to tell others that they don’t belong in church!? This is a problem. It’s a large part of the reason we (Christians) are met with so much disdain and anger.

When you act as though your beliefs are the only ones that:

• are correct
• are the only way to live
• clearly exclusive
• will get someone into heaven
• will save people
• are Biblical
• matter

You become the main reason that people don’t like Christians or religions.

Now, that we have taken a look inward, let’s assume you are not part of the problem but part of the solution.

Those of us that do not practice our Christianity in a judgmental or exclusive way will still face opposition. Where does it come from? Non-believers mostly and they will be family, friends, co-workers, and strangers. Regardless of where/who they are, what are some ways you can handle issues when they arrive?

1. Know what you’re talking about. Nothing will make a debate go south faster than not knowing your stuff. And trust me, Atheists especially, know more about the Bible than most Christians. This is because most of them were once very devout and were hurt in some way, making them leave the faith.
2. Live and Let Live. Don’t engage at all. There is no reason for you to defend your beliefs if you don’t want to. Especially if the debate starts online, just walk away. Unless it’s with someone you know well, and leaving without closure will cause problems, you can just let them have their opinion and not take the bait.
3. Be respectful, always! Even if you are met with anger and rudeness, there is no reason for you to rise to their level. “Be the bigger person” is a good thing to use here. Never give them a reason to question your morals.
4. Grab your arsenal! A Bible, or the internet, your pastor, whatever you need. Go in armed and ready to fight the Lords fight. I would show some restraint here though. Pick your fight and for that matter, your opponent. Make sure it’s worth the debate and if it is, then pull from what you know.
5. Un-follow, un-friend and block. To be used in the most serious of online situations. If you are really under attack and there’s just no peaceful resolution in sight, then you may have to do this.
6. Give yourself space. For the in-person situation, walk away. Use terms like “I don’t think we are going to agree on this.” “I think we need to not talk about this for awhile” “I feel this is getting too heated and we need some space for a bit” Anything you can use to give yourself and your opposition some space. Of course the importance of the relationship will determine your coarse of action.

Personally I’ve encountered quite a bit of opposition both from outside my family and in and also in my church family! I was once criticized for a book series I chose to read (A Christian book series too). So just know it will happen. My main thing that I do when I’m faced with it is not to engage. I’m a live and let live person. Believe what you want, don’t judge me and I won’t judge you. It’s not my place and it’s definitely not yours.

A darling and dear to me friend once said these words to me about one of her family members, and they’ve stuck with me for over 20 years;

“When you die if I am wrong (about God) you’ve lost nothing, but if you were wrong you’ve lost everything.”

Questions/Actions

• Ask yourself, are you part of the problem or the solution?
• What can you do right now to change how you show people your faith?
• Review your church’s beliefs, do they align with your life and the kind of person you are?

Verses

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”

Titus 2:7-8

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

Remember, we are the church, we are the best representation of The Lord on earth. Do Him proud.