UNAPOLEGETIC but “not” ARROGANT

We are living in an age where everything is offensive to someone or the other, except what the world thinks is right. In such a context, to preach the gospel, or to live out our Christian faith is considered outdated, and out of sync with the progressive ideas and ideals. It is considered offensive and arrogant of us, to take such an exclusive stand on God, sin and salvation.

Tragically, we have succumbed to such a view, and have toned down all traces of vibrant Christian witness. No wonder we have become a non-existent force in a world which is fast becoming godless. Rather, the world is disposing a supernatural and transcendent God, and installing man as the ‘true’ god. The promise of the “serpent” in the garden of Eden is coming of age with full force.

It is time every Christian openly takes a stand about our faith and the values we hold. It does not matter how the world will perceive us. It should not matter what others think about us. We should not be in the hiding…anymore. For in doing so, we would be insulting the LORD our God, who called us out of darkness into His marvelous Light.

However, we should be mindful not to be arrogant. Many times Christians are found wanting on this point. Truth makes one confident, but care should be taken not to let such confidence be turned into arrogance. It is very well possible.

We should take a stand like Peter and John, who, when encountered with a situation to tone down and abandon their faith, responded appropriately as found in Acts 4:18-20 – “18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”