Today’s questions come from an ODJ community member. She writes: “How tough should a Christian act? Is being a Christian letting people walk all over you?”
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lindagma on July 5, 2010 at 6:41 am
I would suggest that we look to Jesus, as he walked this earth, as our guide. He was kind, gentle, thoughtful with his words and his actions… but met the challenge of those who would show disrespect for God. He challenged the religious leaders with well know scripture. He threw the money lenders out of the temple. I would say that we defend God and His word while we let Him fight our personal battles… and it’s okay to say “No” when you haven’t heard a “go” from the Lord.
Debrinconcita on July 10, 2010 at 1:39 am
I enjoyed your comment very much. I feel the same way. We need to stop doing things that we want to do. We need to wait fo God to guide us in our lives? so many people just live life their own way and will? I will defend God alway’s & I don’t mind any such fight for his Good name is worth it! HAVE A WONDERFULLY BLESSED DAY OKAY MY sister in God’s family.
donreid77 on July 7, 2010 at 7:31 am
It seems to me that the answer lies in the reason for the response. Jesus said to expect persecution and for people to say all manner of evil againts us. We are blessed when that occurs because they did it to Him first.
However, when Paul’s ministry at Corinth was being affected by personal attacks he pushed back and defended his work and his calling. His concern was for others and not for himself.
Tyla808 on July 7, 2010 at 7:07 pm
I don’t think the answer can be a “blanket” cover-all situations type. I believe, according to Jesus’s example, it depends on the situation and we must seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and wisdom before opening our mouth in response or moving to react.
Are we warriors? Sure. Jesus himself DID show some muscle when it came to situations that called for it, situations that called for justice, repentance, rebuke, etc. But there were also situations where Jesus was still, where Paul was silently writing letters where it would seem that they just “laid down and took ‘it'”
I don’t believe as Christians in every situation we are called to be push-overs but we are called to love and be gentle of spirit. I also don’t believe in every situation we are called to be combative, defensive or argumentative but we should stand, as we have been called, separated and sanctified.
Pray…pray and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in situations where you feel you are being taken advantaged of or seek wisdom from the scriptures…how did other Christians react when faced with a similar situation?
Beloved on July 8, 2010 at 1:43 pm
i agree with you. In every situation, God want us to ask for guidance by seeking the holy spirit. That is why Jesus gave us the big promise in John 14: 16 said I will send u comforter who will abide with you forever. God knows we gonna go through a lot and we have the spirit to guide us.
peg on July 8, 2010 at 6:50 am
We need to be gentle as doves and wise as serpents. God will give us wisdom in dealing with every situations. If we will ask Him first that is. Saying no isn’t always popular but sometimes we must take a stand. And be prepared for the results.
tom felten on July 9, 2010 at 10:29 am
Good thoughts, everyone! In each culture there are certain ways of talking and acting that are required to make it through the day. As believers in Jesus, the challenge is to live out the latter part of Luke 10:27 while observing the social norms and using the necessary street smarts within our individual societies. What does that look like for you?
Rwynne on July 10, 2010 at 4:17 am
I’ve been wondering about this myself for a while. A friend and her kids moved in about three months ago. It was an emergency at the time so my family offered shelter. As the weeks went by, we found ourselves becoming more resentful of them being here. Emergencies do not last for months. They have not helped much around the house, did not offer to help with bills etc. A friend told us when you start having those feelings, God is no longer in the situation, we have done all that He required at the time. I finally gave a move out date. Please pray that God gives us strength and moves her to her own place within the week.