Leadership Thought: Fighting Today's Culture War with Weapons That Are Spiritual, not Carnal.

Dear Friend,

Christians are not as popular or respected as they once were. In today's hate filled, anti-biblical culture, holding to biblical views is sure to get you in trouble with the world.

Last night at our Small Group Fellowship meeting, we were discussing how hard it is to communicate with those who scorn our views and values.

There is little opportunity today for respectful dialogue and discourse with those holding divergent views from ours. Discussion on abortion, homosexuality, transgender issues, gun control politics...are almost sure to create relational fire storms that are destructive and difficult to put out.

Those adhering to scriptural values, are automatically perceived as the enemy. With this being true, how do we as believers keep the lines of communication open, so that we can encourage healthy dialogue with those who differ with our values.

This morning I reread an article by one of my favorite church leaders, Rick Warren, former pastor at Saddleback Community Church, one of the nation's largest and most influential Christian churches.

Rick is addressing the words of Peter who writes: "But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it." 1 Peter 3:14-15 (NLT)

Rick goes on to write the following helpful commentary.

"Ministry isn't for weaklings, wimps, or the faint of heart. It takes courageous church leaders who follow Jesus

Christians all over the world are suffering in ways you never will.

But what is it costing you to follow Christ?

It's unlikely you'll ever face violent oppression.

But you deal with opposition every single day, either in your church or in the broader culture as it becomes more and more secularized and anti-Christian.

No matter where you're from, when you are faced with opposition and ministry, it's natural to feel afraid.

So how do you get rid of the fear of opposition? How do you get rid of the fear of disapproval? How do you get rid of the fear of being rejected?

You need to be filled with God's love.

The Bible says there's no fear in love and that perfect love casts out all fear.

When you face opposition, focus on God's love for you.

People who rest in the assurance of God's love aren't afraid of rejection. They aren't afraid of disapproval.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:14-15, "If you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it" (NLB).

There are two choices when you feel pressured as a church leader: you can worry, or you can worship.

That means you either panic or pray.

You can focus on the problem and the pressure... or you can focus on God.

That's what worship is- focusing on God. When you face opposition, worship instead of worry."

Those are wise words from a pastor who knows what it is like to face opposition. Let us for forth and do likewise.

Yours in faith and friendship,

Tom