“They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day… Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard”

~ Acts 4:3-4, 18-20

Today’s world is all about “inclusion”… inclusion, that is, so long as everyone agrees with whatever the current popular status quo dictates. However, should one dare to stray from popular social mainstays, or worse, dare to voice some disagreement with accepted norms, or with the powers that be, “inclusion” goes out the window.

So, where does that leave the authentic child of God who actually believes what the Bible says.  I’m thinking it leaves us precisely in the shoes of Peter and John. Perhaps I do not “yet” need to be concerned with spending a night in jail or enduring a flogging for speaking the truth of God’s word. But doing so, even if I’m “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), could very well cause me to lose standing with important people in my life. It could cost me a position, a promotion, or even my job.  It could cost me whatever social standing I may have in the eyes of the community. It could cost me a personal relationship with someone I deeply care about. While I may not find myself in jail—not “yet” anyway—I may find myself on the “outs” with people I want and need in my life. When that happens, and it likely will one day, I pray for the faith, courage, and boldness to “speak back to power” and let it be known in no uncertain terms that I cannot help but speak “the Word” of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

~ Phil