Greetings,
A.W. Tozer said, “To be right with God has often meant to be in trouble with men.” As members of the family of God, our unfortunate reality is that sometimes we will find ourselves under attack by those who do not understand our way of life. Even Jesus warned his disciples in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you." At some point in your life, you will likely be called on to defend your faith, and your position in the family of God.
In a broad sense, the defense of our faith is a key component to becoming a mature follower of Christ. We should be able to intellectually and joyfully communicate the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). When we are talking of physically defending our families, we are called to provide for and nurture as well as protect and defend (1 Timothy 5:8). When we are challenged on our biblical worldview of marriage, we should be able to describe why biblical marriage should be considered sacred (Matthew 19:4-6).
While defending our Christian faith, principles, and values, we must be very careful to allow God to be our defense and not our own wisdom, strategy or strength. Our self-defense is not to be vengeful or a “knee jerk” reaction to an offense. In reality, many offenses can and should be simply absorbed in deference and love. James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
There are some who think that we should vehemently defend our values by publicly demanding changes be made to reflect our values. As believers and children in God's family, we hold certain values in high regard--such as the sanctity of life, the sacredness of the marriage, the call to put the interests of others ahead of our own--that don't sit well with our broader culture. While it is crucial for us to be able to defend those values, it can be a fine line between standing up for what is right and forbearing in love while we are actively being persecuted. As Christians we are called to love--no matter what government we are under and no matter the circumstance that we find ourselves in.
As the family of God, we should always handle ourselves with propriety and honor to God, making sure that He receives all glory and honor due Him. It is never our place to take glory away from God, even while we defend the family of God. We should strive to meet every challenge to our faith by delivering the truth with love, grace, and compassion, giving credit to the One to whom it is due. Although the world is going to hate the family of God because they hate God, we don’t need to give the world more of a reason to declare war on God and His family.
As God's children, He empowers us to endure hardship, to persevere, and to overcome! "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Rom. 8:37). What a blessing to be a part of such an amazing family!
Love ya,
Chris
