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A Biblical View of Traditional Family

Jason Moore
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A Biblical View of Traditional Family

Interior designers are fascinating. They can take a boring space and bring it to life. With the right design, colors, furniture, and some insightful creativity the WOW factor can be realized.

We were made for relationships. Connections add value, meaning and purpose to our lives. In our culture today, there are innumerable shades of gray in relationships. The sexual confusion of what is masculinity and femininity have conservatives scratching our heads in wonder. Our technology has advanced leaps and bounds but our moral code has digressed immensely. We can be amazed at artificial intelligence and the genius of man but then lose our identity based on sexual preferences and orientations.

Satan wants to us to cheapen this privileged standing and redesign relationships based upon our sexual appetites. In our post-Christian, hedonistic culture, we see sexual preference without principal. That design is self-centered, promoting secularism to redefine marriage and family. Once treasured, virginity and chivalry are now mocked. Anatomy and science can be ignored if they don’t line up with popular culture.

Masculinity and femininity are designed from the heart of God; both are made in the image and likeness of God representing who He is as the ultimate designer. We have a divine design; God has made you perfect for His glory. As Christians, we have the privilege of bringing emphasis and value to marriage, the sanctity of life and relationship which God calls sacred. Knowing God’s intent for humanity teaches us to value and esteem what God has intended to glorify Christ.

Three Roles for Modern Men of God

Today’s modern man is distracted and striving to reinvent himself based upon his wants and comparisons by which he defines success. Masculinity is more than a macho behavior or being passive-aggressive; it is servant leadership forged in personal integrity. Micah 6:8 shows us that divine stability is realized by “doing justly, loving mercy and walking humbly;” these are keys to a faithful, godly man.

For men, we see three potential roles:

  • Providers care for the needs of the home.
  • Protectors guarding all that is sacred
  • Pastors representing Christ to our family and our family to Christ.

It is easy to come home after a long day and crash on the couch and ignore the family dynamic, but we have a privilege to set boundaries that lead our families. Refreshment happens physically but hinges on emotional and spiritual vitality. Often our “noisy soul” isn’t quieted within us, no matter how much “free time” we may enjoy.

Blaise Pascal provokes the thought: “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”  Learning to wait on the Lord and being still before Jesus refreshes us from the inside out. We let go of our cares and stresses and lay them in God’s capable hands. As the Holy Spirit fills our heart, we bring His spirit to our home and learn forgiveness and grace and we walk in maturity in our homes (Psalm 101:1-3.)

Treasuring Ladies of Faith

In our sex-crazed world, women are often looked at as objects of lust. God has designed women as responders and the jewel of His creation. 1 Peter 3:4 shows us a lady of faith has inner beauty and grace because of her meek and gentle spirit. Her personal strengths and abilities enable her to do anything but—as she finds her identity in Jesus—she is able to complement and serve her family. Proverbs 31 shows us the intellect, resourcefulness and hardworking nature of women. They are not wallflowers to be talked down to, but exceptional and brilliant.

In dating, attraction can be the “tractor beam” that draws us, but beauty is not enough. There must be something deeper, where we fall in love with their heart and the life of faith. Dating is not a time to “try out the hardware,” but to build a deep friendship.

In the dating and courtship phase of a relationship, women must ask themselves:

  • Can I trust and follow Christ in this man?
  • Can I edify and believe in what he is doing?
  • Can I hear God and respect him?
  • Can I receive instruction from him?
  • Can I forgive and love beyond mistakes?

Likewise, with men, while the focus is often on finding the ideal mate, the real question is, “What kind of man will the woman have?” Romeo and Juliet’s syndrome is a fantasy. Best to build yourself up before the Lord so that when God adds to us, we are able to lead this precious gift He has entrusted to us.

Women are often more mature and more capable than men. Our security in Christ helps us not to compete or be insecure, but to lead with humility and flexibility. Listening builds the environment for learning, adapting and cherishing the woman.

Defining the Kingdom Family

We all have dysfunctional families to some degree. As we relate to our heavenly Father, we learn how to develop healthy relationships. How Jesus handles us teaches us how to handle others. Each member has a God-given role to fulfill in the family. 1 Corinthians 11:3 shows us the order of a healthy family is the Lord. The divine source flows from above and thoughts and actions follow.

We are not perfect. The struggles are real, but the reward is for a lifetime. Biblically, we see family roles defined:

  • Man is the initiator of the Father’s heart. (1 Timothy 3:1-16)
  • Women are the responder and caregivers of the heart of God. (Titus 2:3-5)
  • Children are being instructed, loved and learning obedience. (Ephesians 6:1)

In movies and pop culture, the world projects sex as the greatest forerunner in a relationship. Promiscuity and adultery are looked at as normal occurrences in daily life, but in 1 Peter 2:11-12, the flesh will war against the Spirit and cause soul scars. So many souls get damaged doing it the world’s way. Take, take, take! Often previous sexual relationships can damage marital intimacy.

Sex is an expression of love but not the basis of it. God is faithful to heal and purge the mind but God’s design to save oneself for their mate is the more excellent way. Seek to serve and bless your spouse. In turn, you will be blessed.

True love is found from the Lord, giving us His best as we seek Him first (Matthew 6:33.) As we lead our families, we become wise as a serpent (Matthew 10:16.) Don’t sacrifice permanent relationships on the altar of immediate gratification.

The landscape of the family dynamic has changed. This generation is called the “fatherless generation.” The statistics showing how the fabric of the family has come unraveled are astounding. The commitment and personal investment in marriage and family can be daunting, but it is a battle worth fighting for. The reward reaches generations.

The apostle John writes about the Kingdom family in 1 John 2:12-15:

“I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”

The Art of Parenting

Parenting is not for the weak at heart! Raising “adults” is a tireless ministry that reaps fruitful consequences (Proverbs 22:6.)

Recently, I was talking with some parents and I asked them this question: What would you compare parenting too?

The answers were humorous at first but nonetheless real-to-life. One parent said, “A gladiator. Overcoming obstacles and enemies can be a daily occurrence; vigilance is a full-time endeavor.”

Another parent said, “An athlete, due to the constant endeavor to keep moving forward. Stamina and endurance is a gift from God (Romans 8:11.)”

Yet another said, “A warrior. Your values and principals may not be always popular but they will be understood and respected eventually. Don’t quit! God is ALWAYS working!”

In times of discouragement surround yourself with godly parents that you can share and pray with. You are not alone!

Relationships can have troubles; love is messy! By keeping our eyes on where we are going, we will maintain perspective for the overwhelming moments.

The success of parenting is not always found in your children doing what we want them to do. In some cases, we may lose a battle but not lose the war. The ultimate objective is that they will value what we value and follow on to know the Lord. This may not happen our way or on our time table.

Here are a few non-negotiables in our approach to our kids:

  • Always love them.
  • Pray for them fervently.
  • Keep lines of communication open.
  • Forgive often.
  • Speak to the heart, not the behavior only.
  • Admit when you’re wrong.
  • Encourage and speak faith to them.
  • Celebrate what they are passionate about.

Final Reminders for Setting Your Family’s Firm Foundation

Joshua knew what a kingdom family was in Joshua 24:15 “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.”  This can be experienced in many ways. Here are a few building blocks:

  • Fatherhood begins with loving your wife. In loving our wives, we love ourselves (Ephesians 5:25-28.) Having a parent-centered home brings security to your family dynamic. One of the greatest things we can do for our kids is to love our wife.
  • As men, we understand the value of providing and protecting our family, but leading as a shepherd is foundational. We set the tone in our marriage and our personal spiritual life keeps our family from being exposed to the wicked one. If the man “checks out,” the family is left totally exposed.
  • Having a mission in your family is invaluable. To reach and serve something greater than ourselves teaches our kids that we are not the center of the universe but that God has created us to make Him known.
  • Value your in-laws. Often there are fractures in these relationships because boundaries have been crossed, and the in-laws become out-laws. Building bridges here can help foster a coaching support system that can be very rewarding.
  • Give yourself lots of grace. The fear of parenting like your parents or duplicating their mistakes can cause a lot of anxiety. Ask for help and be humble enough to listen and receive it. Make the right choices today.
  • Be 100% were you are. Enter what is in front of you with your whole self, not half-hearted and enjoy the ride!

Don’t give up in your relationships! Keep investing God’s best regardless of the response. God is always working, and His plan is always unfolding! Enjoy now but build for what will be!

The Truth About Lying

Jason Moore
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The Truth About Lying

We have all experienced opening the refrigerator and meeting a foul smell. Something expired and now is becoming a “science project.”  Lying can be like this. Lying is subtle but, figuratively speaking, rot leads to stench.

Basset hounds have a keen sense of smell. They possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about six million in us. And the part of a dog’s brain that is devoted to analyzing smells is, proportionally speaking, 40 times greater than ours.

Unfortunately, lying can become a natural practice in most circles of life. Half-truths, false pretenses even “beating around the bush” in our approach because something is hidden that we don’t want to be exposed. We want people to think well of us and have a great impression, but at what cost?

The most effective lies are those that are closest to the truth. Insecurity and fear can be roots to a lie. Not telling the whole truth—or “spinning” the information to work in our favor—can be hard to maintain. We will eventually be caught in our cover-ups.

Lying to ourselves is the platform of lying to others. Are you caught in this internal web?

Here are some indicators:

  • My desire is my greatest need
  • My needs will never be met
  • If people knew me, they would want nothing to do with me
  • I must act as another person to be accepted

The devil is a liar. There is no truth in him, according to John 8:44. The devil’s web of lies seeks to ensnare us, over and over.

What stops this vicious cycle? Our security in the unconditional love of God.

When we know what to say no to—it is easier to say yes to the right things.

In Philippians 4:8, the apostle Paul declares, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” What are you saying yes to? This will expose the truth or strengthen the lie.

Like Passions

We all born with genetic tendencies that can take us in directions we don’t want to go. Thoughts and actions come to our minds and we act out of guilt or fear. These “passions” come from an appetite of the soul. Once in truth, we can reverse and reprogram our soul. In James 5:17, we see Elijah was a man, subject to like passions as our own. Sometimes, when we look at people to compare ourselves with them, we don’t see that they are as weak as we are, with like passions.

It is by the grace of God and a surrendered life and intentional godly habits that passions can be channeled to glorify God. The reasoning in the soul must have a “checkpoint of truth”. Lies may creep in to preserve ourselves, but the truth shows the contrast and exposes the lies.

Insecurity can be like a bulldozer in the soul, motivating and overtaking us through guilt, shame, fear and the “degenerate passions”.

Thankfully, God’s love doesn’t leave us where it finds us! Thank God that Love is not an investigator of where we have been, but a spiritual guide and explorer into what is next!

Regenerated passions can be powerful, as they are rooted and grounded in the truth of who Jesus says we are. In 1 John 3:20, “For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.” This establishes a healthy perspective and keeps the real truth in the driver’s seat.

Let the chips fall where they may; honesty leads to transformation. Say yes to everything that Jesus says you are, and no to what the devil says.

This is the TRUTH, the whole TRUTH and nothing but HIS TRUTH, so help me, God!

Leading Into the Beyond

Jason Moore
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Leading Into the Beyond

Often our shortcomings are glaring and can traffic our mind way too much. We overcompensate with excuses or act in guilt motivation to do better. Looking at others we compare ourselves and often it is the mirror and speaker that defeats us from the inside out. Even though this reality has truth to it, there is another reality that is true—a divine reality.

Condition vs Position

God sees us in a place beyond where we see ourselves. He sees us totally complete in Him. He speaks to us in a way where we have matured and are perfected already.  He speaks to us in words from the beyond, and not just in the now.

I have heard many say that “I am just a work in progress, God isn’t finished with me yet.” This is true, but the ultimate reality is we are NOW what God has already made us be! Our “now”—or condition—is in a state of growth, but our “position” is a place of spiritual power. This is a place of potential where we learn to relate to. We may not have experienced it all yet, but Jesus makes us into who we are made to be.

So, the question is, how do we believe in what Jesus says, even if we haven’t experienced it yet?

The Power of Imagination

Imagination is a place where we dream. A place where failure doesn’t hold us back.  A runner envisions winning the race even before he puts his foot to the line. He trains, speaking to himself, believing the best. This place of potential is more than what we can do on our best day when all the pistons are firing correctly. It is God’s ability in us; His perfect and unlimited ability performing in us, and for us.

As we see through the Gospels, Jesus spoke and addressed the heart and potential of the listener. He was always pointing to faith, a reality that was a mystery to many. His words sparked the imagination to believe bigger and to do the impossible—ordinary people doing extraordinary things because they believed!

Looking at people beyond where they are now into who they will become is the best way to speak to them. Jesus shows us this with Peter. When the apostle Peter—in his knee-jerk reaction of devotion—proclaims his loyalty, Jesus sees beyond the emotion, knowing Peter will deny Him when all is on the line. Jesus chooses to look beyond Peter’s faults in love and speaks to him as though he will never fail Him. Jesus related to Peter in his victory. Peter’s failure was not the only issue of consequence, but how he responded in the failure was paramount! Jesus was preparing Peter to preach to thousands and teaching him to walk with Him beyond his failure. Peters denial prepared him for his victory!

Failures can make a mess. Doubt, fear and skepticism often block the door to the beyond. Life lessons tenderize the heart to be a launchpad in strength and resolve. Failure can be a great teacher, but it is not meant to be a whipping post for others or ourselves. Isolate it, forsake it and move past it.  Learning how to respond to failure and celebrate the wins can build such momentum. Learning the lesson in humility and staying little in your own eyes makes it all worth it.

Don’t be surprised at peoples’ failures. Just respond with words and actions that are from the beyond life. Failure is a tough challenge to hurdle when relating to people. Often the wrong is magnified larger than life. It is like a large pothole on a beautifully smooth road; we swerve to avoid it but often hit it head-on.

How do we get around it? We can’t deny the wrong, but we can learn to speak to the person’s heart; not to the sin.

Love covers a multitude of sin because love is what changes the heart and not just the behavior.  Speaking beyond where a person is NOW is when we start to have a relationship beyond the need or failure.

We see them in who they can be and not only in who they are now. This is a choice. You may feel like you are a construction site, but faith words move us beyond!

Abounding Words

The theme of Star Trek is playing in my mind as I write this next part…“Going where no one has gone before!” Looking up into the sky we see such beauty!

Looking beyond the sky, we see the clouds, moon, and at night, we see the stars.

If we go further, we find the cosmos; stars, moons, planets and the galaxies.

We go further and find the immensity of black holes, faraway planets, and star clusters with such beauty it is hard for the mind to comprehend.

We go beyond the second heaven and think of the beauty of the third Heaven, a paradise where we will one day be with our Lord. This is a place beyond—a place prepared for every believer!

We want to speak abounding words that lead beyond the stumbling blocks. Here are a few statements that speak and release potential.

  • I trust you.
  • Go for it.
  • You are able.
  • You are loved.
  • You are an overcomer.
  • Keep working it.
  • You are made for this.
  • You are a winner no matter the outcome.
  • You are wiser and stronger than you were before.

Equipping people with the right training and tools is essential to realizing potential.

Words build a picture that draws people into understanding. Consider words that are not restrictive or defensive; they try to control the listener. People read your body language as well as hear your words; they can read between the lines.

Words are so powerful! Proverbs 18:21: “The power of life and death are in the tongue…” How do you speak to yourself? How do you speak to others? This is a good indicator of what you feed on in your own heart and what you believe about yourself and others.

Let’s ask ourselves these questions to help to create an atmosphere for growth and help lead others beyond where they are now.

  • Do we bring attention to their strengths?
  • Do we lead them in a way where they can be developed?
  • Do we empower them in encouragement and challenge?
  • Do we speak faith thoughts that break out of manager mode into a thriving potential?

What is Your Language?

A crowded mind often shows itself when we get overwhelmed. Multitasking sounds productive but often the juggling mind is doing gymnastics, trying to identify what to hold onto and what to let go of, what is valuable and what is not.

As we listen to understand, and not to be understood, we begin to speak in a new language. We learn to speak to people and not at people.

What is the difference?

We speak to the heart and not just the intellect. We discover what is important to the listener and we build associations to those things so the listener will care about what we care about. Because we want to care about what they care about!

Constructive criticism magnifies the shortcoming, but in creative communication, we spend more time magnifying the strengths. We don’t skirt the problem, but this approach ultimately corrects the lack. We spend a small percentage of our words identifying what went wrong and most of our words on identifying what was done right. Giving tools and empowering the person in trust gives the opportunity to succeed again. Probation or belittling is counterproductive and backfires every time!

Speak to people’s potential by faith and there will be change. This is the foundation of creative communication. The language of grace is always creating something in our lives.

Here are some game changes:

  • Have I given them the tools they need to succeed?
  • Are they in the right place or are they a square peg in a round hole?
  • Do they have the skillset for what I am expecting of them?
  • Do they understand what is expected of them?
  • Am I speaking to them not at them.
  • Do I realize I am not in control of the person; they have their own destiny.
  • People are not on my timetable so I don’t pressure them!

Be Love

The above questions are provoking! Often, we can get it backward, where we are trying to do a great work first, but God is doing great work in them first! As we pray for and love people, God shows us how to build and develop them.

The psalmist says it well in Psalms 18:29: “For by Thee I have run through a troop, and by my God have I leaped over a wall.”

Speak life! Speak potential! Lead others into the beyond!

The Remedy to Weak Faith

Desemond Mbantoh
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The Remedy to Weak Faith

“I assure you that whoever tells this hill to get up and throw itself in the sea and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.” –Mark 11:23

These are the words of our savior and lord, Jesus Christ. In other words, we’ll say that this is a promise which he made for all those with a mature faith. This clearly points out the existence of a weak and a strong faith.

The scriptures are very clear on the fact that no one can please God without faith. Our spiritual father or ancestor whom we all know as Abraham was titled the father of faith. And we, as Christians today, ought to follow his footsteps. It was through faith that he obeyed God’s instructions and left for a land he knew nothing about. As a result of his obedience, God made him a father to many nations. Here, we start perceiving the relationship between faith and obedience. There is no faith without obedience.

We can also perceive faith as obedience. It has to do with taking God for who He says He is. Faith is acting upon what God says. With this in mind, we’ll stop trying to help God and rather believe that He will accomplish His promises. It is sad to hear people say that they are aware of what the Bible is saying about their situation, yet we perceive them not acting on the word. God’s words are true and holy. His words are reliable and that’s why we should fully trust in His ability to accomplish what He says He will.

Just as the scriptures reveal, we can perceive faith as the certainty or full conviction that God will fulfill all His promises. With this certainty in our hearts, there is no second to waste in fear or doubt. Whatever situation you are undergoing, do not allow it to overcome you. Start by asking yourself what God says about the situation. The Holy Scriptures can best reveal God’s mind about your situation. That’s why the Bible should be your standard of life. Once you know God’s mind about your situation, speak out words of faith. Make declarations in the name of Jesus Christ. And for sure, God who hears and answers His children with intervene in your case.

Christianity is revealed in us through our actions. We cannot confess with our mouths that we belong to Christ and do things that are not reflecting our confession. As Christians, we ought to speak only what we have first believed in our hearts. Our words and actions must be in accord. And for sure, Christ-centered actions are all based on faith or the power to hear, believe and act on God’s word. Being a Christian does not imply that you won’t fall sick. But you can be sure that there is a difference between your sickness and that of a person who does not believe in Jesus Christ. As Christians, our belief is on Jesus Christ, the mighty healer.

The scriptures clearly say that by His stripes we were healed. So, what next? Will you remain crying on your sick bed or will you act upon these holy words from God? Act on the Word of God as you call upon Jesus the healer. Use your ability to believe in the healing power of Jesus Christ to command sickness to leave you. Declare yourself healed by the words of Jesus Christ. And just as the scriptures say, whenever we ask anything in prayer through the name of Jesus Christ, we should believe in our hearts that we have received. However, it is not only in believing that you have received but also in acting as one who has received what he asked from God.

Chances are very high that you have read the scripture that says, “As Christians, we walk by faith and not by sight.” This goes along the same line as the saying that we cannot please God without faith. Satan and his agents strive to make you look at your present situation from the natural, human point of view. You can be sure that the moment you start looking at your situation from the human eye, you’ll be filled with discouragement, worries, fear and sadness. Such will lead you into panic and sin. Hence, you must not live by sight as a Christian. What do we mean by living in faith and not by sight? A clear example here is when a person prays for healing, although the physical pains are still there, he/she thanks God for healing them. Yes, you can pray for financial blessings and chose to thank God for blessing you although the physical signs of poverty are still there. You do this because of your certainty that God has heard and answered your prayers.

Note that it is by acting on the word of God that a person grows his/her faith. In other words, exercising the word of God will help in growing your faith. A weak faith clearly results from lack of exercise. It’s just like a boxer who eats much but does not exercise his muscles. He’ll simply gain weight but won’t be able to stand a single fighting round. This also applies for Christians; you cannot spend all your time studying God’s word without acting upon it.

Seeking the Lord’s Help During Life’s Storms

Guest Contributor
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Seeking the Lord’s Help During Life’s Storms

“The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?” –Psalm 27:1

It is one of the most powerful quotes from the Bible against all none. It makes one think about the courage and confidence that we can build up with the Lord’s help. We do not need to worry about the direction of our lives nor the world so long as God is within our domain. We all experience different events that come within our lives. Some of these events we consider to be good, like getting admitted to the college of our choice. Others we feel are not so good. The not-so-good events are what can hamper us and keep us down if we let them. These are potentially events that could change our lives and not for the better.

You may have lost your child in an accident and have become depressed. This depression may lead to a whole host of other things, including substance abuse or suicide. It is during these times we must turn to the Lord to be reminded of the strength we have to overcome these situations. “Be strong and courageous,” Deuteronomy 31:6 states. “Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Moses reminds us that every day of our lives, the Lord is with us. There’s no doubt that God is watching over us. In fact, we are to always remember that God experienced the troubles of man when He sent His only son, Jesus, down to earth. He experienced some of the most horrific experiences man can experience. Ultimately, Jesus died for our sins and to make humanity better than it’s been. He was an example of how we ought to be, despite our bad habit of allowing life’s events to turn our lives for the worst.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” –Hebrews 13:8

Despite having been through every horror man might go through in life, Jesus remained whole always. Paul reminds us of this in his epistle to the Hebrews. How may we best exemplify the example of Jesus and God? It’s tough. There’s no question about it. Going through life, we may be going down the same path as the person who lost their child. For you, it could be you got in trouble in school for accumulating too many tardies. Now, you face detention because you did not follow the rules to be timely. It could sting quite a bit because you knew from the beginning that you needed to be in class.

However, you might have a very valid excuse that was not accepted by the school. Your father or mother could have been running late and that may have led you to being late. There’s not much you can do in a situation where you are dependent on someone else. Sometimes, these things happen. It’s just life, as we often hear. Yet, it might frustrate you into anger and depression beyond no end. Your parents could be unhappy because this happens. Regardless, the Lord is with us forever. Jeremiah, the prophet, reminds us of this:

“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” –Lamentations 3:21-23

Hope is one of the strongest things we can have in life. Above all else, it’s something that can keep us going throughout the most difficult times of our life. At some points, it could be difficult to see there is any hope of moving on or getting out of something challenging. The quote from Jeremiah reminds us there is a way forward. In all of His certainty, the Lord made us as we are. There are certain things we will never be able to change about ourselves and we only have so long on this earth to live and prosper with others. The best thing we can do is to help others and ourselves move through these troublesome times and place our hope in Him.

Thomas Zimmer is a writer whose work has appeared online and in print. His work covers a variety of topics, including politics, economics, health and wellness, consumer electronics, and the entertainment industry.

Evangelism: What Matters Most When You’re Out There

Guest Contributor
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Evangelism: What Matters Most When You’re Out There

The phrase “keep your eye on the ball” is very important when you’re out there evangelizing (Ephesians 4:14).

People will take out their cameras, give you the middle finger, shout at you, honk at you, cheer you on, thank you, tell you to go away, walk away from you, get the local authority on you (for doing nothing wrong), and so much more.  It reminds me of the list of what the Apostle Paul went through (2 Corinthians 11:24-27), only what we go through these days is so much less than what he went through.

During all that–and through all that–it’s important to remember why you’re out there in the first place.

It’s not to receive applause.

It’s not to jump into debates and win arguments all day either.

It’s to win souls with what Christ did for us (Romans 5:8) (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). His finished work is what we’re to proclaim all day long as his ambassadors, soldiers and workmen. What happens to us is not the issue, nor why we’re supposed to be out there.

There are days when we go out to evangelize, and nobody takes a gospel tract. Nobody.

Our response? We’re there tomorrow.

Other days, we go through stacks and stacks of gospel tracts to the point where we can’t keep up with passing them out.

Our response to that? The same.

We’re there tomorrow, treating both situations equally the same.

Operate in spite of the circumstances, not due to them.

What matters most is Christ and Him Crucified, and making sure people hear about what our Lord did for us. We’re just the messengers and we’re thankful to be just that in a present evil world (Galatians 1:4).

Jon Cooper lives in Belle Isle Florida with his family, evangelizes in the Orlando/Central Florida area as well as many other locations, and is the author/creator of

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