In James 1:2-5, the author writes:
If you're like me, this is a passage you're much better at quoting than living. However, it seems to me that this is a timely message for Christians in America. For a couple hundred years we've enjoyed a position of relative cultural dominance. That is rapidly coming to an end. Though the recent dust-up over Dan Cathy's (CEO of Chik-fil-A) support of traditional marriage, seems to testify that Christians (or at least free speech advocates) still enjoy a bit more vigorous support than some assumed, it would be wise for each believer to ask himself/herself "Just how far am I willing to take this? Just how much do I believe in the words of James 1:2-5). Though many (like myself) were able to purchase a sandwich at Chik-fil-A and enjoy nothing but unqualified support and acceptance from fellow believers, there were others (like the gentleman in this video) who were not blessed to swim in such warm and accepting waters. What if I had been in his shoes. Would I have had the courage to remain...to stand...to give my endurance a chance to grow?
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. (NLT)
If you're like me, this is a passage you're much better at quoting than living. However, it seems to me that this is a timely message for Christians in America. For a couple hundred years we've enjoyed a position of relative cultural dominance. That is rapidly coming to an end. Though the recent dust-up over Dan Cathy's (CEO of Chik-fil-A) support of traditional marriage, seems to testify that Christians (or at least free speech advocates) still enjoy a bit more vigorous support than some assumed, it would be wise for each believer to ask himself/herself "Just how far am I willing to take this? Just how much do I believe in the words of James 1:2-5). Though many (like myself) were able to purchase a sandwich at Chik-fil-A and enjoy nothing but unqualified support and acceptance from fellow believers, there were others (like the gentleman in this video) who were not blessed to swim in such warm and accepting waters. What if I had been in his shoes. Would I have had the courage to remain...to stand...to give my endurance a chance to grow?
