Are we too comfortable?

[R Harris]

Couldn't cowardice be from lack of knowledge/training? Unless someone is instructed and tested, how can they be bold in expressing their faith with no understanding. I realize that ultimately the Holy Spirit will embolden someone to speak the right thing at the right time, but how can one boldly speak about what they do not know?

It could be, sure; but I think of many converts over the last 20 years in the sub-Sahara region who became believers and then faced execution a week later. They didn't have great training, but they certainly were willing to die for their faith even at the tender spiritual age of one week.

I have heard many strong conservatives over the years say "if the founders came alive today, the first thing they would do is 'go get the guns'". Ok. Well, in hindsight, I would say to them, why would they do it, but you can't? I realize the multitude of factors around the current situation, and that one does not stop a juggernaut by throwing one's self in front of it.

I would rather people at least work peacefully and try to develop strategies for evangelism and real discipleship. Sadly, the Church is so fragmented right now that such an endeavor is impossible. The only realistic thing is for major church leaders to start working toward unity and common purpose among the 60 million people calling themselves believers.

Right now, it's the only chance we have. I really don't think God will bless revival / reformation without first stopping the bleeding of fragmentation and with people being shaken out of these comfort zones we have discussed.

 

[jwithnell]

I suppose, just to add some counter perspective, that we comfortable westerners ought to consider the very real dangers that surround us daily. We don't necessarily need to uproot ourselves to be exposed to high-stakes life. It is right here and we are all too inclined to ignore it.
That's a very good point. What do you think we can start doing to gain a better appreciation for it?

What immediately popped in my mind when I read this was the account of Elisha who prayed that God would open the servant's eyes to that he might see the mighty, spiritual horses and chariots of God that had surrounded them as they prepared to go into battle. In a righteous context, it is my experience that God answers a prayer to "see." (By righteous, I'm distinguishing between what God will do to build us in our faith verses an unrighteous tendency to tell God, "hey show me the future, then I might see if you're worthy and believe."

Are we too comfortable? A dear, older saint comes to mind. She had spent her life serving her husband as he planted churches and reared Godly children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She sometimes wondered out loud why she hadn't been called to suffer more. We have what God has given us, and if that's a comfortable existence in the west, there's no reason for us to fret; we must be thankful. When people wonder if they have what it takes to stand up under persecution, I usually think: nope, you don't. God isn't going to give you something you don't need. Now if the west goes to heck in a handbasket (as it seems determined to do) God may very well give us the grace, stamina and dependence on Him to meet the situation. Otherwise, thank Him daily that he answers our prayer to "deliver us from evil."