Now that we start the Christmas season, or holiday season for others, the debate starts of putting out nativity scenes, saying merry Christmas or happy holidays, and the start of billboards welcoming atheism. (The constitution dictates to keep the government out of faith, not faith out of the government. Read it, it is full of faith statements, and congress still starts every session with prayer.)
Let me start by saying that I am not offended by anyone's lack of religion. My wife and I are really not bold about professing religion. We are bold about our relationship with Jesus. There are too many debates and factions and much too much focus on religion, especially in Christianity. Early Christians simply were Christians. They followed Christ. Their group was called the way, the way of Christ. The Christian belief is simply that man can do nothing to earn his way into Heaven, but that God made his way to Heaven through the Savior Jesus, the Christ. It is my relationship with Christ that I will be bold about.
Christ was also pretty bold. He cleared the temple, he ate with sinners, walked with lepers, celebrated instead of fasting and 'working' on the Sabbath.
He was also totally unconcerned about popularity. He told his disciples that since He was hated they would be hated. He told them if they went to a town and were rejected, simply leave. Not try harder, not do a miracle to convince them, just walk away. He was rejected in his own town and after raising Lazarus from the dead some were convinced that he needed to be killed, and Lazarus too. (John)
So I am not offended by anyone's lack of religion. I am not offended by anyone's different religion. I am tolerant and welcome of other beliefs.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Come over to eat and we give thanks to God for our meal. Sit close to us when we eat out and you may join in prays before we dine. Tell me I can't pray, and I will simply leave. (Although this has never happened.) I will boldly wear my relationship and my faith. I will not shout it at you. I will enjoy sharing it but will not force it. There is a cross in our front yard. I have several Christian tattoos you may see in the summer. And, I am ready in season and out, to share my faith in Jesus to one or many, as God places me.
The 'season' of faith in Jesus is not just for the next 25 days. Boldly celebrate it for the next 365 days. Jesus came to give abundance and joy, not just for one day but for a lifetime.
