There are so many laws and groups trying to curtail 'free speech,' especially that of Christians. Other groups seem to have protection but it appears to be 'open season' on Christians. I have heard some say that no matter what, they will teach and speak about what the Bible says, regardless of the law….that sounds very noble but is it wise or effective?
"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Words of Jesus in Matthew 10:16.
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:34,35
"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and for beariance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth to thee to repentance?" Romans 2:4
When we started years ago, we thought if we told people the Truth from the Bible they would change. What a deep disappointment to find that only worked when first we loved the person (love-wanting the best for them) and encouraged them to know Jesus and the Holy Spirit and then sometimes we could share info on 'sin' and see some change. That only happened when the Holy Spirit worked in the situation.
I am so convinced we do not trust the Holy Spirit to do what He is so capable of doing in the will and desire of God's heart. Because God looks for our faith–using our free will to pray for others. Tthen we need to step back and trust the Holy Spirit to work in the situation.
So we use our heart, as Jesus said, "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." Luke 6:27,28
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12
Prayer is the answer, not judgment, condemnation, or confrontation, unless of course, it is truly led by the Holy Spirit. If we love people into the Kingdom of God, into relationship with Jesus, and give them a Bible–then they can read for themselves what God says, directs and let the Holy Spirit convict them of truth.
What good would it be to go to jail for a position that allows the media to brings more criticism to the church as a whole? Unless of course the person wants an inside prison ministry. I am not speaking of denying Jesus, I am talking only of adamantly defending one issue, refusing to give up a right to be right without consideration of the cost….losing an ability to share the love of Jesus instead.
Prayer is a covert operation. We won't tell anyone, just pray, set an example of respect and love, and the Holy Spirit will lead the army of heaven to move into those dark areas and set people free. Not using our head (that tells us what is right and wrong right out of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil) but using our heart (settled in the Tree of Life, the teachings of Jesus with mercy, love and grace) following Jesus example to take up our cross of forgiving and loving all men for Him, leading them to Him.
Pressing in and pressing on…..