I do not like confrontations. I do not like to disagree, hurt someone's feelings.....take a stand. I like happy, feel good moments with everyone getting along, smiling and agreeing, in other words, "I'm not a fighter." But just the other day I learned a very important lesson that I pray I don't soon forget: true believers, true followers of Christ, Christians living under the authority and Lordship of Jesus Christ are called upon, yes even commanded to confront, disagree, hurt the feelings of a loved one if necessary...to take a stand.
I have tried to stay clear of battles on Facebook concerning the election, (will it ever be over?) the pandemic controversy of mask or no mask, ( I'm saving money on makeup) and the endless lists of opinions on everything from laundry detergent to the best way to peel a banana. But ladies, when it comes to biblical authority it is time to be bold. It is time to stand.
Almost 20 years ago a young woman began attending my Sunday School class. She was so sweet, so eager to learn and in the course of time she became a believer and began to grow in her faith. I invested myself in her by praying for her and with her, and listening to her questions about the Bible and how to apply it to her life. I've watched her mature as a wife and Mom, teacher of young children and faithful Christian. She has blessed me many times by thanking me for mentoring her in her faith. She is kind, soft spoken, doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, or stir the pot so to speak, but she became the teacher and I the student as I watched her take a stand and be bold.
My friend is pro life and outspoken about her convictions. She not only says that she is pro life, she backs it up with her involvement in children's causes. After sharing a pro life post on her Facebook page, a person she respected and liked challenged her belief. And when I read this young woman's response I had to share what I learned:
1. Begin with the positive. Thank them for sharing their feelings with you. Ask how they are doing, give them a heartfelt compliment or word of encouragement.
2. Respect them and their opinion. The tone of our voice or the tone of the words we speak or write telegraph our respect or disrespect. To be bold does not necessarily mean being loud.
3. State your convictions without apology. A conviction is much different than a preference or opinion. A conviction defines us and dictates our words and actions. Believers live by our convictions, not our opinions. We owe no one an answer or apology for our convictions. Convictions influence people. Leaders lead by conviction, not by opinion.
4. Be ok with walking away. Not everyone will agree with you or respect you. If that changes me, then I need a time of reflection and self-examination. If someone is not ok with my convictions, I must decide where my loyalty lies: with my Savior or with what others think of me.
I believe the time of our Lord's return is near, and if there ever was a time for Christian women to be bold in our faith and convictions it is now. In Esther 4:4 Mordaci said to her, "Who knows if you were brought to the kingdom for such a time as this?" You and I were not placed her in this time and place by accident: we are here "For such a time as this." We are here to be bold.
Penny
