Persecuted for the Symbols of Christ!

Commentary By:  Gordon King

Standing for what is right, for the truth, not backing down because of the ways of the world, this is what Christianity is about.  As believers and followers of Jesus Christ we have a God-given right to speak up and out about our Savior.  In doing so we also have the right to share symbols of our faith in Christ.

There are many in the world today who say that they find it offensive to see a nativity scene or even a cross!  They will do everything in their power to have them removed from society.  I say that if it offends them then they should just look the other way.  We have the right to enjoy these symbols of our faith, just as they have the right not to look!

Why should we as believers cower down and remove symbols of Christ and His birth just because everyone doesn’t want to believe or look at them?  They have every right not to look, but they do not have the right to tell us what to display and what to believe in.

For some reason it doesn’t seem offensive to these same people when displays of other religions are shown, nor does it offend them when immoral signs and displays are shown.  It doesn’t bother them when nudity, pornography, foul language, and murder are televised and promoted.  Yet, they take offense when the Savior of the world is!  Why is that?  It’s because they know that it’s the truth and they are in rebellion against the Almighty!  Why else would they even care?  Really!

If Jesus Christ were not the Savior of the world, then these people would not take offense at displays of Him or His message.  They are not offended at Scientology, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, the New Age Movement, Satanism, or any other faith or spirituality, but they sure take offense to Christianity!

This gives me more assurance that Christianity is the truth and the way, not the other way around.  The world follows the evil one, and the evil one is set against the truth not lies.  Those under the sway of the evil one, Satan, are led by him and his evil spirits, they are anti-Christ!

And then there are those in the Christian faith who compromise their beliefs and values, such as taking down Nativity scenes because they may be offensive to some.  They would rather offend God then offend those of the world.  And many of these same people who claim to be Christians also believe that we all worship the same God!  They believe that there is more than one way to heaven, that Jesus Christ is not the only way.

Being forced to remove Christian symbols is another form of persecution, not being able to wear attire to school with Christian symbols, changing the name of “Christmas” to “Winter Holiday”, and the removal of crosses, all are a form of persecution against Christians.

It’s sort of funny to me in an odd way, that the world celebrates Christmas, yet so many choose to call it merely Winter Holiday.  They sure enjoy shopping, putting up lights and trees and having a festive celebration, but for what reason?!  Why in the world would anyone celebrate winter?  Because it’s cold and miserable (at least in the Northern hemisphere)?!  If that’s the case then why not fill your living room with snow instead of a tree?

The fact is that we celebrate Christmas for one reason, that is the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  That’s it, no other reason.  The birth of God into this world as a human, both man and God!  I’m not writing this to debate when Jesus was born, whether or not it was on December 25th is not the issue here, it is the day of celebration for His birth.

We can listen to the world, be seduced by the world, and be intimidated by the world, or we can stand firm and do what is right!  We can continue to uphold God’s values, and we can continue to share the love of God, whether that be though symbols, God’s word, compassion, love, forgiveness, or a helping hand.  The point is that we will suffer persecution in this world.  We should continue to share God’s love, and not be afraid to show it through symbols such as a cross or a nativity scene.

The truth is the truth no matter what, and when the truth of God is shown it often hurts those not in relationship with God.  It causes them to be convicted of their sin and therefore is unpleasant and offensive to them.  However, this does not mean we are to stop sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in whatever form it takes, on the contrary.

Times are coming when these symbols will not be allowed, when they will be against the law of man.  We already see Christians being fined and jailed for not conforming to the ways of the world in America, but it will get worse.  Stand firm in your beliefs, hold fast to what is true, and know that God is with you!

God bless my friends!  Maranatha!