Living Faith

   “So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.  But Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”  (Acts 4: 18-19)

   Caiaphas, the High Priest, and the Jewish leaders warned Peter and John to not even speak of Jesus.  Yet they replied that they had to speak and teach of Him.  Knowing that the council could have them put to death just as they had Jesus they chose to ignore the warning and continued to witness to our Lord.

   This scene was repeated over and over in the early days of Christianity.  Those practicing the faith were ordered to bow to the authorities and deny their faith upon threat of death.  Still, they refused to turn their back on Jesus, many times suffering torture and death for their decision.

   We are told today that we should not make our faith known publicly.  That it should be restricted to home and church.  In some cases the authorities have taken legal action to punish those who stand up for their faith.  At some point we too may be forced to make the decision to bow to the authorities or stand for our Lord.  We need to pray for the strength to stand for God as did the first Christians.

   Just as important as standing for our faith is the manner in which it is done.  Those early Christians didn’t get into name-calling arguments with the authorities, they simply and plainly stated and lived their faith.  They did not organize massive protests, burning and destroying property.  They stood their ground in a firm yet respectful way.  They followed the example of Jesus; they spoke the truth regardless of the cost but did so in a respectful and loving manner.

   We need to read again of those dedicated and brave Christians who spread the word throughout the world.  We need to follow their example of Christian strength.  Strength that was tempered with love and caring even toward those who disagreed and persecuted them.

   “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.”  (Acts 5: 29)