GOD SEES
Do you struggle with living in the topsy-turvy nature of today’s world?
I’ve read plenty of opinions on social media regarding the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony and its disregard for Christians and their values. It is heartening to witness the overwhelming support for the Christian community following the inappropriate displays at the Opening. The whole subject gives an opportunity for people to speak out about their beliefs.
It is hard to write this blog.
But I feel compelled to share a post to encourage and uplift my fellow Christians as we Learn to Cope during these end times. It has taken me two weeks of thought and prayer. I’m convinced we must keep on keeping on standing up for our LORD and His righteousness. Be the light and salt of the world. Be bold, but like Jesus, we must love the sinner while we hate the sin. Adopt an attitude of love and prayer, not judgement and hate.
Pray for them
“For the god of this age (Satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV.
The Paris 2024 Olympics declared their slogan: “Games wide open” as they committed to providing a Rainbow room. It was always their intention to support these minorities and make them feel welcome. I have people in my life who are in this same minority. I love them, but they are sadly wrong. It has nothing to do with judging someone’s sin, because one sin is no greater than another. Sin is sin. LGBTI sin is no greater than mine or yours. The difference for me is that when I sin, I am ashamed of my behavior while they flaunt theirs.
BUT is what they flaunt a sin? Paul, in Romans 1, says it is.
“26 That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned from the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. 27 And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.” Romans 1:26-27 NLT
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” Isaiah 5:20-21
The Olympics Board of Directors took a step too far for Christians to accept. It is said to merely reflect the “artistic” Feast of the gods, by Jan Harmensz Muller— instead it is merely a reflection of our times. When the pagan ideas and lifestyle of past centuries grew in popularity, they led to the persecution of Christians. Today, we are not far.
Imagine living in Biblical times.
We are upset now over a visual depiction of mockery, but just imagine living in Biblical times. How difficult would that be? For instance, when the Roman Empire crowded the Colosseum with spectators to watch the famous games where gladiators battled to the death, and Christians were thrown to lions. Today we are only facing the battles of the pagan religions being honored and lifestyles being accepted. No one has died—yet.
Imagine being pulled from your homeland as the Israelites were when they were exiled to Babylon. There they were forced to give up their holy practices and the rulers even disgraced the temples.
Jesus said trouble would come.
He said there will be division because you follow Him. “Brothers will turn against their own brothers and hand them over to be killed. Fathers will hand over their own children to be killed. Children will fight against their own parents and have them killed. Everyone will hate you because you follow me. But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:21 NIV
He warned us to be ready.
“But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:36 NIV
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 NIV
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua1:9 NIV
“And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV
Where do you stand?
God knows. He sees us when no one else does. And loves us anyway. That is why He made a way for us to repent and receive forgiveness.
Love how scripture backs it all up! Right on!
Sheila, good thoughts! In your topic key words, I don’t see anything tagging the Paris Olympics Opening ceremony. Maybe add this so others (especially nonbelievers) can understand what made the ceremony that appeared to be a mockery of the Last Supper so offensive?