In The Midst of Wolves

This is an editorial that I wrote for my school newspaper... it will probably be published in April.

In The Midst of Wolves

What is a Christian? Throughout the ages, answers have varied, opinions have changed, theologians and philosophers have debated, and men have striven to find exactly what being a Christian really constitutes. In today’s culture, yes, even in Christian communities, I believe the goals and aspects of being a Christian have been abandoned, distorted and ignored. Today, the common consensus in our communities promotes happiness through wealth, jobs and popularity. Obtaining this happiness on this earth often becomes the most important thing. Riches and glory feed our egos and promote our dignity. The throng is often heard preaching about the acceptance of all ideas and values and the embracing of all lusts, desires, and wills of the body. “Hate your enemies,” is a common theme in our culture. Despise the prisoner, ignore the prostitute, hate the murderer, and cheat your neighbor if it means gaining a more prominent position. Complacency has overtaken our churches, and dare I say, our lives. We “do church,” sing songs, and fellowship on Sundays. And during the week, what happens? And on Saturday night, what do we do? We may even be nice people. We’re always cheerful and smiling, shaking hands and engaged in pleasant and harmless activities. But is that what it’s all about?

Now as I write this article, while I believe it applies to all people, I want to speak directly to others my age. Whether your in 8th grade, or about to leave for college, I am writing this article to challenge you to really step back and ask yourself, “What am I doing here on this earth? Am I really behaving as a Christian ought to?” Please keep in mind that as I speak to you, I am also speaking to myself all the more.

We have forgotten the words of Jesus. You, I, our culture; we have all been deceived through the pursuit of happiness. Do not let complacency overtake you! Living a happy life is not living like a Christian!

Jesus says in Matthew 5:10-12, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.”

As a Christian, we are not to be conformed to this world. Rather, we are to conform the world to the preaching and teaching of Jesus. I am asking you to be radical in your faith. If you are not being persecuted, if the world does not hate you and despise you, then I ask you to reevaluate how you are living. Are you living as one destined to be one day united with Christ, or as one who remains in the world, seeking the approval of men rather than the approval of God? Are you actively seeking to spread the truth and love of Christ to all those who are slaves to sin? Friends, I ask you to deeply consider and ponder the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:32-34, which says:

“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”

The words of Jesus are laid out for us to apply in our lives. Do not waste the opportunity! Do not deny Christ, but be brave and courageous in witnessing to everyone you encounter each day.

Now, again, step back and evaluate your present situation. You are on the threshold of adulthood. The temptations of the world are pouring in from every side. What is true happiness? Brothers and sisters, this happiness cannot be found in this world! So many times I have made the mistake of trusting in the pleasures and desires of this world to bring me happiness. But in the end, it only leads to emptiness and despair. Jesus is calling you – He is telling you to go forth in His name and proclaim the truth; forsaking yourselves and embracing Christ.

In Matthew 10:38-39, Jesus says, “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”

Do not expect it to be easy. Indeed, it would be impossible if not for the grace of God. The world will hate you, the devil will tempt you every single day, and there will be discouragement’s along the way. When you fall, get back up. When you waver, hold on to Christ. He is faithful, if you ask Him, He will help you. But first you must give your lives completely and wholly to him, surrender yourself – and He will use you to bring true happiness and peace to those who are in the world.

C.S. Lewis, one of the greatest Christian thinkers of the 20th Century, in his book, “Mere Christianity,” tells us to not pass up the opportunity of giving our lives to Christ.

When the author walks on the stage the play is over. God is going to invade, all right: but what is the good of saying you are on His side then, when you see the whole natural universe melting away like a dream and something else--something it never entered your head to conceive--comes crashing in; something so beautiful to some of us and so terrible to others that none of us will have any choice left? For this time it will be God without disguise; something so overwhelming that it will strike either irresistible love or irresistible horror into every creature. It will be too late then to choose your side.

I beg you, do not wait! Our lives are so fragile. God is coming back, and he will separate the sheep from the goats, the righteous from the unrighteous. Act now and live! Do not expect to be praised and glorified in this world. The world will persecute you, just as they persecuted Jesus. But remember your Father in heaven is watching you, and you will gain an everlasting reward when you stand before the glory of His face forever and ever throughout all eternity.

Finally, I ask you to take these words of Jesus to heart, and to deeply consider what I’ve written to you today. Jesus says, in Matthew 10:16a, 22, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

“He who endures to the end will be saved.”