Reacting to anti-Christian labels

While I would never compare being labeled "ignorant" or a "freak" real persecution, it does however present an opportunity to either stand firm on the Rock (Christ) or to cut and run (compromise). Recently I heard someone label all of us who believe that God created us, loves us, and sent Christ to die for the remission of our sins, religious creationist freaks. Regrettably my first thought, as usual, was to turn and attack (God is still working on me and I understand fully that I am a stubborn work in progress) and point out all of his stupidity and illogical beliefs and to try to defend my God and His abilities.

Thankfully I didn't react quickly, but as i thought about my desired initial reaction ... I realized that selfish vanity was at play, and that I really didn't want to defend God so much as to prove to my critic that I was not a freak (by defending and trying to prove that God was, is and will be). God tells us of His glory and might with the simple words in response to Moses as written in Exodus - "I am that I am". I have no concept of the vast scope of the glory and majesty of God because I see through a glass dimly but I do know that God does not need me to defend Him. He does however require me to stand up with Him and to not be ashamed.

This week my church is having revival and today was the first day. This morning the pastor brought a great message on the fact that Jesus and Jesus alone is the way!!! We need to hold fast to that fact and then proclaim that fact as a message of hope and love to a dying population who is daily bombarded with messages of tolerance, open mindedness and other false doctrines. God demands that His gospel remain pure and true and for us to boldly proclaim that Jesus is the corner stone and foundation of His salvation plan. When we compromise that fact, we show nobody any love. The popular relativist idea/message that all roads lead to God (and God would never allow people to go to hell) only aids people on their journey to eternal separation from their Creator who wishes all to follow Him. As outlined in John 3:16-17 God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to save us and not to condemn us. He then strengthens His message to us in I Peter 2:3-4 when He tells us that He wants no man to perish but for all to be saved and know the truth.

We can't worry about what others say about us we just need to make sure they hear the Truth. As believers we are promised in John 8:31-32 - If we hold to His teachings ... , we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free. Praise God for His mercy.