Got your testimony ...

Well here is another one of those passages that reminds me that being a Christian (a follower of Christ) is no guarantee that life will be easy. In fact, it may very well mean there will be all the more challenges. Not all are appreciative of those who claim Christ to be Lord, no matter how much good accompanies this life.

But here is the main thing, if you are asked to explain something of your Christian hope, be prepared to do so. And not only this, make sure you do this in a manner that is unoffensive. Be faithful, but ensure this is not condemning of the listener.

1 Peter 3:13-17 (New Living Translation)

Suffering for Doing Good

13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

It is a challenge to put our faith into words at times. To describe how Jesus has made a difference in our live's. It is good to keep this simple. To use plain english, without the use of church language, or jargon. It is a good exercise to contemplate your experience, maybe it will help to write it out and get used to sharing it with others. Having said this, remember the Spirit of God is our confidence and when we struggle to know what to say, if we leave it to Him, He will speak through us.

More than anything, live the journey (the experience), then you will easily know what to say - just be faithful and rely upon God.

Speak up ...

In the South Australian Divisional Strategic Plan we have a strategy whereby we desire to "be a leading voice on areas of social concern". These couple of verses serve as a mandate:-

Proverbs 31:8-9 (New Living Translation)

8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;

ensure justice for those being crushed.

9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,

and see that they get justice.

Proverbs 31:8-9 (The Message)

8-9 "Speak up for the people who have no voice,

for the rights of all the down-and-outers.

Speak out for justice!

Stand up for the poor and destitute!"

There is a need for us who have the capacity to speak up and represent the case of the marginalised and most disadvantaged within our community. It has been the practice of The Salvation Army down through the years. Yes, I believe we need to be smart about how we do this. We need to do our research. We need to ensure that we have all the facts. We need to explore different models of service delivery. We need to look for other means of funding. But most of all, I think we need to listen. Listen to the cry of the people who are affected by poverty. Listen to their heart beat. And then - SPEAK UP!

"Lord, help us to be attuned to the needs of others and through Your wisdom and knowledge how best we might represent them, that their needs might be heard and addressed and justice done."