TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. (John 15:18 NKJV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Peeps are my love language.
You know what I’m talking about, right? Those sugar-encrusted marshmallows that come out every Easter? I absolutely love them. To be specific — I only eat the yellow Peeps. I prefer the ones shaped like chicks, though if bunnies are my only option, I’ll settle for them. But, the chicks are squishier; and far better for Peeps Jousting, too (which is a fun game! You can Google it…). I know not everyone shares my enthusiasm… Many people have told me how they think Peeps are disgusting — even to my maternal heartbreak, my own son. (They are wrong, but at least that means I don’t have to share.)
About ten years ago, I wrote an article for Forsyth Family magazine called “Confessions of a Peeps Connoisseur.” I researched the company, listed all the fun facts about Peeps, and wrote about the creative ways people enjoy their Peeps. Though I’ve written hundreds of articles since then, that one remains one of my favorites. It was nice to know that so many others share my affection for this amazing candy.
When it comes to the company that produces Peeps, one of the things I admire (besides their creative commitment to marshmallows and sugar), they don’t try to cater to every set of tastebuds. Just Born, Inc. focuses on what they do best for those who are eager to enjoy their products. I think we can learn a lesson here.
Why don’t we, as Christians, do the same? Why don’t we focus on what we are called to do (share the Gospel) and stop trying to dilute the Truth in an attempt to please everyone?
Not everyone is going to like Christianity. Not everyone is going to like Jesus.
Shocked that I would write that?! It’s Scriptural! Plenty of people didn’t like Him.
And even today, the foundation of our beliefs is frequently compromised by those Christians who are afraid of not being liked or worried about offending others. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:18-19 NKJV).
So when others dislike our faith in Jesus — it shouldn’t surprise us. We need to stop apologizing for the Bible. We need to stop treating our faith like a cafeteria line: Cafeteria Christianity isn’t real Christianity. We don’t get to go through the line of Biblical doctrine and cherry-pick which values and beliefs we want on our plate. We take God at His Word entirely — or not at all. We aren’t doing anyone any favors by trying to rewrite the Word of God. In fact, all it does is hurt others and misleads them.
Just as a confectionery company based in Bethlehem, PA, knows there are people who don’t like them — they still keep their manufacturing plant going. They haven’t changed the recipe to reach those who don’t want their product. They produce for those who do.
Similarly, let’s take a page from Jesus. Jesus knew there were those who didn’t like Him. He didn’t try to make them like Him. Jesus didn’t compromise His ways and pander to the crowds. He certainly didn’t alter His message to meet the scrutiny of the Pharisees. He focused on His mission and spoke the truth. And He embraced all who were willing to listen, follow, and become disciples.
So, let us be committed to speaking His truth. Let’s understand that its not our job to make everyone like us or love Jesus. We are only called to tell others about Him. Their response is between them and the Holy Spirit. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”
Today, as you pray, thank Jesus for being the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Thank Him for His authority — past, present, and future (Matthew 28:18). Ask the Holy Spirit to help you share the Gospel with bold faith and rooted in Biblical truth, without apology, knowing that the Truth of Jesus is where true freedom lies.
SHARING ••• My Grace-Full Life is written by Denise Heidel. You are welcome to share anything I write, but please credit my writing and graphics accordingly. Visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com to read past blogs. Subscribe through my website to have My Grace-Full Life delivered to your email. You can unsubscribe at any time. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the NKJV translation.
