Do you recall how some teens fret (or refuse) over carrying a Bible to class because it isn't cool? What would the cool kids who didn't carry their Bibles think? Would one be labeled for looking interested? And how about the pressure to sing during church? Will others think I'm....spiritual?
This fear of what others might think moves right on up the age scale. Yet, the question isn't as minuscule as toting a Bible or singing songs. This terrain is over what one will admit they believe in front of their peers.
I believe churches experience pressure to believe or not to believe certain matters. There is great pressure (I know from experience) to go with the herd and disregard the activity of the Holy Spirit. Fear on many levels overrides honest doctrine.
As fear escalates into our later ages, carrying our Bible is no longer the threatening restraint. Opening and studying it is. We are in danger of believing what our friends believe more than what the Bible teaches.
I know what it's like to be "written up" for my stances. I know the personal pain that most onlookers would shrug their shoulders in indifference and move on. Yet, when it is personal....it is painful.
However, we are not of the spirit of cowardice. It takes courage to believe God...even in the church. I urge you to keep your friends only to the extent they let you form your views from your understanding of the scriptures. Do not let their rejection of you determine how much of God you will ultimately believe. If you do, they are your god....not Him.
2 comments:
you inspire us every day..."I'm pressing on the upward way, new heights I'm gaining every day"
"Fear on many levels overrides honest doctrine".
This also goes for areas where we as a church need to take stands for truth, whether it be that we believe the Holy Spirit works as you said, or in areas where God calls us to actually be different than the culture around us. Even when the "cool kids" won't approve. Thanks.
Jay
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