Focal Passage: Jude 1-4, 20-25
When I was a child, a man once came to our house to hang out with my dad who, at the time, was not a believer. I was also lost, but as a regular van kid at my church, I had been taught much about the Bible. So, you can imagine my horror when I heard the man from the other room using God’s Word to justify animosity toward African-Americans.
I flew to my trusty King James to find the passage to which he was referring, and, unaware that my manner of attack might be disrespectful, I lit into him like a spark to gasoline.
It should come as no surprise to the believer when people challenge the truth of God’s Word, even within the local church. Jude writes that even then, many ungodly persons had infiltrated the ranks to spread false doctrine and to lead Christ’s sheep astray.
We contend boldly (1 Timothy 1:7-8) in the public arena of ideas because our faith is reasonable and worthy of consideration.
“The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5).
When I am confronted, my prayer is that I will respond more graciously than I did as a child, that I will be bold and obedient, but loving.
Whether I fail or succeed, and I will do both, I know that God is with me. He will be with you, too.