II Thessalonians 1
One of the hardest things to deal with is our faith. So many people try to tell us that we should define our own faith. Faith, to these people, is subjective and a matter of interpretation. If I like it, then it is okay.
In the early 1990s, the Church of England demonstrated how much this thought has permeated the church when it was trying to decide that since a large number of people were having causal sex outside of marriage, then perhaps God had changed the standards for living. The church was trying to decide if it should no longer consider sex outside of marriage a sin.
Today, we have to struggle with the same thought process that drives many to condemn the church so that they can feel less guilty about their lifestyle choices. Yes, there have been times that the church has condemned more than it has shown the forgiveness of Christ, but for the most part it returns to the standards set by Christ. The church today is being called intolerant yet the very definition used by progressive mindsets makes them just as intolerant. Paul congratulated the church of Thessalonica for staying firm in their faith even though others were condemning them for their faith.
I honestly believe people attack what they fear. This goes both ways. There are those in the church who attack instead of learning about others. Paul said he had to become like those he shared the gospel message with. In other words, without compromising his beliefs, he spent time learning about the people while sharing a message of love and forgiveness.
There are many outside the church as well who attack those who go to church. I believe they do this because truth breeds guilt. When someone believes that they can get through life defining their faith as they go, they have a difficult time reconciling anything that may be counter to their belief system. The truth is difficult to deal with so they counter the truth with attacks.
Paul encourages the church of Thessalonica to stay strong and remember that anyone who suffers for the gospel is consider worthy of the kingdom of God. Only through trails and tests is the truth revealed. Some people will get it, while others will continue to suffer under God's judgment for not accepting it.
What deeds are you doing as you act on the goodness that God's Spirit places within you? Is your love increasing for others? These two questions can help you investigate your growth. So, is your faith growing? Let God be the difference in your life today.
1 comment:
Shabbat shalom, all. I stumbled upon this blog and started reading out of curiousity, so I hope you don't mind me offering an opinion.
The common phrase I hear is, "Christianity is the religion of creed while Judaism is the religion of deed. People may attack the church for many reasons...doctrinal disputes, leadership issues, whatever. But what is most important is your personal actions. That is what you're accountable for before HaShem. It has been my personal experience that as you fulfill the mitzvot that G-d instructed us in, the more your faith will grow...in that order. Action will precede the growth of your faith, which will produce more action. Today is the 4th night of Chanukah, the Celebration of Lights. Whether Jew or Christian, be a light in someone's life and reflect the love of G-d that is in you to dispel the darkness.
L'Shalom,
Yehudi
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