I am worried all the time – well, most of the time, about what friends and even strangers might think about me because of my beliefs. I worry I will be mocked, discounted, and shunned if I give any inkling of an idea of what I believe or attempt to explain or defend my beliefs. And then it occurred to me how ridiculous this is. That is the point, really. The things that get my attention and make me think are offensive and different. Thought-provoking, some may say.
I have used my quiet personality as an excuse to remain silent about my faith in Christ. God has made me aware of this recently – and there is no way to describe exactly what being convicted by God is like to someone who has never felt it personally. It is an amazing thing, though. It is a catalyst for salvation, even.
It is sad... In America we worry about our reputations being affected by our beliefs. In other countries and areas of the world, people die every day for their beliefs. I don't want to be worried anymore.
3 comments:
I worry about people's view of my beliefs being affected by my reputation.
Dear Chip,
Likely you and have have ABSOLUTELY differing views on God/faith/the world, but I respect and like you very much. I don't generally judge a person based on their beliefs (exceptions do apply in some cases). I judge a person on their character and conviction.
I respect you and like you Chip. You are a good man. Go get 'em, tiger.
- David
Matt - you are good at summarizing feelings I have trouble expressing in a paragraph using a sentence.
David - I appreciate that, and the respect is mutual.
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