Courage in Culture: Expect Resistance

by David Chadwick George Washington used to say, “The best way to prevent a war is to prepare for it.” In an increasingly godless culture, we must prepare ourselves to stand and have courage. We must decide beforehand what we believe to be true. We must know that truth inside and out. We must speak the truth that we know in love. How else can we stand with courage in culture? Expect resistance. This is a tough one. No one likes to experience hard times. People who don’t like us as Christians don’t like our message about Jesus. But it’s important to remember that because we live in a broken world, Jesus said that we will have trouble (John 16:33). When you speak the truth in love, you should expect resistance from people. Satan is called “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Often, his followers are referred to as “children of darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5-6). There are a good number of people in this world who love darkness. They are being used by the ruler of this world to do his evil bidding. These are people who, like those who lived in the Babylonian culture, believe that anything goes, that there is no truth, and that there is no authority outside of themselves. They want to live life on their own terms and be their own god. When you shine a light into the darkness and into unspiritual eyes, people often wince and strike back in anger. Truth is an offense and calls people into accountability for their godless behaviors. This is exactly what happened to Daniel. When he refused to stop praying to God and pray to the Babylonian god called Bel, it offended the godless Babylonians. They wanted Daniel dead. But Daniel did not care. He would not stop praying to God. He loved him too much, with all his heart. Jesus warned his followers to beware when all people speak well of you (Luke 6:26). It probably means you are not standing for anything. And always remember this immutable truth: the only way to never be criticized is to never stand for anything!