-by Stephanie-
Upon deciding devotion to such a worthy and necessary cause as the abolition of child sex-slavery I knew there would be many obstacles. I expected there be a level of derision and refutation from those who may be ignorant of this evil. I knew there would amount some danger, whether physical or emotional, that would arise from this decision. I rather expected that many would be disinclined to act or get too involved for fear it may disrupt their comfort or perhaps they were overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation and found it hard to move whatsoever.
On other occasions I expected, or rather hoped, that some fellow Christians, who were to choose not to act, would be the ones who have found another worthy calling to devote their passion and time to. This, I am sad to say, I have not found as often as would be hoped. I know many amazing men and women of God, but it seems we as a people tend to make excuses for inaction. I know I have, and to my shame I admit, many times. But it is not for us to feel ashamed and wallow in self-pity.
I believe that there are many evils God would call us to stand against. To fight against
I don’t want to convince anyone to walk in a way not from the Lord. God has given boundaries of authority to each of His followers. Some will be called to full time ministry. All will be called to minister in some capacity. I believe that saying we are simply to go about our lives and bring Jesus to those around us, while a good sentiment, degrades the teaching of the gospel if this is put forth from a heart that wishes to continue in comfort. We are to take Jesus to the ends of the earth (Matt 28:19-20). But how are we to bring Jesus? By words alone? No. By action and in truth (1 John 3:18). We are not the salt of the earth if we only proclaim Jesus yet do not do what He says (Matt 7:21).
Upon deciding devotion to such a worthy and necessary cause as the abolition of child sex-slavery I knew there would be many obstacles. I expected there be a level of derision and refutation from those who may be ignorant of this evil. I knew there would amount some danger, whether physical or emotional, that would arise from this decision. I rather expected that many would be disinclined to act or get too involved for fear it may disrupt their comfort or perhaps they were overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation and found it hard to move whatsoever.
On other occasions I expected, or rather hoped, that some fellow Christians, who were to choose not to act, would be the ones who have found another worthy calling to devote their passion and time to. This, I am sad to say, I have not found as often as would be hoped. I know many amazing men and women of God, but it seems we as a people tend to make excuses for inaction. I know I have, and to my shame I admit, many times. But it is not for us to feel ashamed and wallow in self-pity.
I believe that there are many evils God would call us to stand against. To fight against
I don’t want to convince anyone to walk in a way not from the Lord. God has given boundaries of authority to each of His followers. Some will be called to full time ministry. All will be called to minister in some capacity. I believe that saying we are simply to go about our lives and bring Jesus to those around us, while a good sentiment, degrades the teaching of the gospel if this is put forth from a heart that wishes to continue in comfort. We are to take Jesus to the ends of the earth (Matt 28:19-20). But how are we to bring Jesus? By words alone? No. By action and in truth (1 John 3:18). We are not the salt of the earth if we only proclaim Jesus yet do not do what He says (Matt 7:21).
Our desires and passions should reflect God's. The church is Jesus’ bride just as I am Micah’s. Being married, I find that what is of most importance to him gains a greater importance and value through my eyes as well. This is how it should be, and this is how it ought to be with our desires and God’s desires. We know what is important to God simply by reading the Bible. We know that He is love. We know that he is Just. Love and Justice are two forces that hold a great significance, importance, and value with God. Therefore, these things should, day by day, become of greater significance in our lives and in our thought.
Love and Justice are what we should strive for. The Spirit will reveal different avenues in which these passions can be put into action. I am only naming one because this is the one the Spirit has placed the greatest emphasis upon in my life: to work for the abolition of sex-slavery which, in my opinion, is the worst degradation of mankind. If we allow this to continue we permit and enable the Image of God to be dragged through the mud. We are all made in God’s Image. Each life is of great importance.
I am not calling you to my calling, for it is not mine it is God’s. This calling is to love and justice, love and justice for not only fellow believers but all human beings. Everyone has innate worth solely because in essence we are God’s creation. This calling is one for all Christians. We are all called to feed the hungry and help the widow, regardless of where our particular passions lie and we must not forget it (James 1:27). I assure you, I do not forget this in my desire to rid the world of the atrocities of sex-slavery, and I hope we all continue to remember. But we should go beyond that to labor for what is of importance to God.
We can save no ones soul. It is God and God alone who can (John 14:6). But we must help those who cannot help themselves (James 2:14-17). We must define “laboring for the kingdom” in a way that is not simply abstract religious jargon that no one can enact pragmatically. We are called to obey Christ (John 14:15) not just verbally proclaim Him. He did not only deal with spiritual salvation. He healed the sick and cast out demons! Yes, we ought to be concerned with the spiritual well being of those we seek to help but we must also deal with their physical needs too! (James 2:14-17 again.)
We can save no ones soul. It is God and God alone who can (John 14:6). But we must help those who cannot help themselves (James 2:14-17). We must define “laboring for the kingdom” in a way that is not simply abstract religious jargon that no one can enact pragmatically. We are called to obey Christ (John 14:15) not just verbally proclaim Him. He did not only deal with spiritual salvation. He healed the sick and cast out demons! Yes, we ought to be concerned with the spiritual well being of those we seek to help but we must also deal with their physical needs too! (James 2:14-17 again.)
Pray for a passion. Do not close our ears. The Spirit will give us the desire if we would but allow! In the meantime, we must not scoff at any injustice or malice, but put on the breastplate of righteousness and the belt of truth and march out against the enemy for God in protection of His precious children (Eph 6:13-17).
Let the little children come to me. And do not hinder them.
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
(Matt 19:14)
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