Recently, I got in an argument over the fundamentals of the Christian faith with an atheist. Well, the person claimed to be an atheist, but one really never knows with them. They say they don't believe in a god, or gods, yet atheism is a belief. That is a subject for another time. We were discussing a very personal issue regarding the right to life. I gave this person my view, which, was based on the biblical text. My view is, that life is absolutely precious, and that God knew us before He knit us in his womb (Jer 1:5). This says that before we were even thought of by our parents, before even the beginning of time itself that God knew us! This is a wonderful thought. I continued with my view on life and stated that its not HOW we were conceived, but THAT we were conceived. Any idea or plan to cancel out a life from human terms is wrong, period. God is the author of life, the giver and taker. The only exception to this problem would be the obvious risk to the mother involved.(insert here any situation where you must choose one life over another) If it comes down to mother or child to save, you do the best you can based on prayer and support. But prayer being #1. I find that in hard times going to God FIRST is key, not 2nd or 3rd, but FIRST. It makes sense, why? Because He is life, the author knows what to do. We don't. And, in any tough situation as I am sure you can make out from the scenario above, we are called by God to be over comers, to not let the pain and suffering of this world destroy us, or even consume us, but to call on the Almighty to hold us and see us through even though ugly and horrific things that can happen to us. Jesus is awesome, and He suffers with us, feels our deepest pains and sorrows, and gives us life and joy even in the midst of tremendous sorrow. He is the only one I can trust my life with.
So, back to the subject of plugging your ears. This person I was having a discussion with called me "sick" and "distorted", said that if I don't radically change my view about God they would never speak to me again. They even said that they would not want to be in heaven with me if that was my view of God. Interesting how people can conjure up "their" own idea of what heaven is. God calls us to be over comers, not of our own doing, but with Him in control. This is applied to all things that we as human beings confront. Think of the ugliest situation or problem that could happen to you. With God, it can be overcome. This does not mean it will be easy, or even something that you wont have to live with the rest of your natural life. Matter of fact, Jesus tells us that "we will have trouble in this world, WILL, but take heart, I have overcome the world." It does not say we are entitled to safety, we are not entitled to be free of crimes, natural disasters, you name it. We are all subject to pain and suffering. The book of Job is a great book to understand suffering. The key is to allow God to suffer with us, to put our trust in Him, to see the future and to focus on what He has in store. This life is but a blip on the screen, and to understand that God can and will overcome.
Reminds me of the story of Stephen in the book of Acts. Stephen was not afraid to tell those listening what the problem was and who to turn to. They rejected what Stephen said, gnashed their teeth, basically put their fingers in their ears and turned to hate. Stephen was stoned for speaking the truth in love. Fortunately, I was not stoned, otherwise I would not be typing this right now. But it was clear to me that the truth really stings people and they hate God. Stephen, before he died, saw Jesus on His throne just before he died. What does that tell us? That God is in control, that we are in His hands, and though many may want to crush us for our belief in the risen Savior, that Jesus has the final say, and to put our hope and trust in the LIVING GOD. Stephen is a hero of our faith. I say "is" because Stephen is in the real world right now, we are in a twisted and fallen world. Stephen is in glory, made perfect by our true hero, Jesus Christ.
A couple of thoughts. People believe things that are easy and surface ridden, they typically follow the easy path that society tells them. Its easy to believe things that make you comfortable, therefore, it must be correct. God calls us to a higher standard. When you hear something, digest it, compare it to scripture, pray over it, try to understand who said it and their motives, and really think the problem through to its logical conclusion. If you don't, you will fall prey to ease and comfort, which, disguised, will ultimately ruin you and make you callous to the truth. Lets be people who are open minded to what God has for us, not to what a sick and distorted world has for us, because everything is meaningless when in the context of a atheist worldview. Jesus is the ultimate answer to life's challenges. Why? Because Jesus is life itself.
Jay
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