Christians, the Minority
It was recently published that the Christian Community is taking over the net. I thought, "Yes! It's about time they noticed!"
But, sadly, another report came. It said that Christians have used the Internet to single-handedly restore the love for poetry. But, it has not reached the lost world.
Perhaps, the Christian Community became the minority because of our own doing. We were called to be in the world, without being like the world, to be a testimony in the midst of them - not to separate from opportunity to minister to the world (Philippians 2:15), except in the event of an evil we need to personally get away from. How can they, otherwise, hear?
Scripture makes reference to sowing beside all waters, Isaiah 32:20.
A way that applies for writers is to submit writings to whomever is interested (the highways and byways of the Internet), with the exception of X-rated sites. The only reason for eliminating those is because writings would be perverted, wherein God wouldn't get the glory. Though, we can still sow beside those waters, without going inside. Go to the highways and hedges, where others dare not trod.
One way writers can compel them, via the Internet, is to include a link to more of their writings, which will draw some to where they can further be ministered. Utilizing your talents, you might have other ideas.
There is neither Jew or Greek, bond or free ... red, yellow, black or white ... Protestant, Catholic, Indian, Hindu ... they're all trying to find their way to God. All things were created by Him and for Him. Our God is the God of the corn, of the wheat, of the rain ... the one in whom all things consist! But, Jesus was an anti-religionist. He went directly to the source because THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD.
Regardless of what another faith believes (if our writings do not create offense), we can cross religious barriers to submit to them ~ until we all come into unity of faith. Likewise, we can share their non-offensive writings, because, however we serve, it is still the same God. No one religion has all the answers. If we separate from everything not like us, we lose the opportunity to learn from other faiths, also.
We stand sure on what God has revealed to us, unwavering. Though, if we keep an open mind, we just might
find that there is more to God than any of us had considered.
Another verse refers to our freedom in the inhabitable part of the earth, Proverbs 8:31. If a site offers Halloween stationery, it is my conviction to not download those. But, if you want to be legal about it and dismiss the rest of their wonderful creations, you’ll miss a blessing. God created all things, the part that is habitable (as a testimony to Him) we can use.
However, there was an occasion wherein I was even able to use skeleton stationery, as it fit a writing against the hazards of drinking. We limit God when we tell Him what He believes before we hear it from Him. There is a habitable part.
Early Christians didn't want to give up their festive traditions. Thus, those that could be turned into a blessing for God were adapted, converting to Christian Holidays.
We still have that option, today. Whatever Satan meant for evil, God means for good. If we don't see the connection of how to use evil for good, we're free to move on. In such case, we either aren't listening or God may not be calling us to it. But, if we see the connection, we're free to walk in the Spirit; following Christ.
Being that not everyone is a writer, your opportunities may be different. We're not all called and gifted in the same way or to the same things. But, to keep an open mind until we've heard from God, our ministry can reach more for the Lord. That is the key.
If you want to build a ministry that will withstand the Gates of Hell,
Seek the Master Builder.
© 2002 by Joyce C. Lock
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it:
except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Psalm 127:1
http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/heavenlyinspirations-intro.htm
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.
In addition to being a published author and poet, Joyce C. Lock created the religion column, "Christianity Made Simple" for Peru Daily Tribune, continues to write inspirational articles for area newspapers, and shares further in online and e-mail ministries.
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