This past Tuesday, New York passed a bill making late term abortion legal. I am not really going to talk about that specifically in this post. What I do want to say is:

I. AM. ANNOYED.

No, I’m not adding another rant about abortion or politics…. I am annoyed with people who call themselves Christians and then have turned to social media to bully, argue, name call, slander, and disrespect authority. The decision to pass this law is tragic. So is the atrocity of sex trafficking, labor trafficking, genocide, homicide, racism, gender discrimination, on and on… Why, Christians, are we so shocked when evil shows it’s face in this world? Are you not aware? Do you not understand that the devil is the one running the show here? Do you not realize that your purpose here on earth is to be a light in the darkness?

As Christ followers, should we mourn these decisions and atrocities? Absolutely! As Christ followers, should we fall to our knees in grievous, mourn filled prayer over the state of our country and the world? Without a doubt! As Christ followers, should we take to our keyboard and spread the evil, slander, and hate? Absolutely NOT!

Attacking those who are in the dark won’t bring them to the light, rather it will affirm and push them even further in to the darkness! Jesus brought a whip to the temple and flipped tables in the temple because of the dishonor and disrespect shown to His Father’s house – Matthew 21:12-13. He called the “religious” people Hypocrites! – Matthew 23. Jesus took a beating, with a whip – Luke 23:22 and then hung on the cross for those trapped in darkness and asked the Father to “forgive them they know not what they do” – Luke 23:34. Do you see my contrast here? Jesus is judging the religious for being hypocrites and he died to save the lost, to bring them out of darkness… So, Christian. What are you going to DO about the darkness of this world?

May I offer some thoughts?

1. Pray, Pray, Pray! If you feel so zealous about the atrocities you see and hear – PRAY! Take your anger to God and ask Him what He wants you to do about it! And leave the vengeance to Him! “…for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people’s land” Deuteronomy 32:43b We know evil will exist until the second coming of Jesus. Don’t be surprised by it, pray about it, mourn it and ask Jesus to use you to be a light for those lost in the dark.
2. Shift your focus and fight to where the battle really is! “For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” Ephesians 6:12
3. VOTE! show up, in the rain, with your kids, dog, or whatever excuse you use not to vote and just do it! VOTE!!!
4. Volunteer! At your local Pregnancy Clinic which battles the atrocity of abortion and/or other organizations that are fighting the atrocities of the darkness in this world with the Light of Christ. Whatever you are passionate about, find a Christ centered mission field that is shining light in to the darkness and putting their boots on the ground to battle the darkness.
5. Ask God who He wants you to get to know that has a different opinion than you. Invest in their life. Ask them to explain more to you – and have an open mind to really hear them – NO JUDGING! – you’re not looking to dismantle them or get one up on them, you’re looking to understand their point of view, what they’ve been through, to love them, and then seek the wisdom of God of how you can be a light in their life. Let the Holy Spirit work in and through you in their life. Let the Holy Spirit work in their heart. You need to attract them to Jesus, not judge them for Jesus.
6. Get involved in your community. Prayer walk your community, start a bible study or a faith based book study, bring dinner to someone who just had a baby or surgery or was really sick. See a need, meet a need!
7. SO MUCH MORE!! There is so much more we can do to show the love of Christ and battle the evil in this world!

So, Rise up Christian! Stop being a hypocrite and someone who repels. Be different! Be attractive! Don’t be an ally to the darkness, give it something to fear! #stopthehate