There are two guiding questions I’ve learned to ask myself when deciding whether to speak out as a Christian. They help me distinguish between action that is faith-based and actions that come from my own agenda.
The first is: Do I sense a calling from God to speak or act in this way? In several instances, I knew following that instinct would mean conflict, but the more I prayed, the more it felt like there was no other option. The call of God through the prompting of the spirit is not easily ignored.
Once I determined that God was calling me to action, the second question was: Am I loving my neighbors the best I can as I speak and act even if they disagree with my words and deeds? Asking this question kept my words and actions kind, even when they were challenging.
It will certainly take a lot of prayer and courage, but our faith is meant to be lived. It’s meant to be seen.
This message is excerpted from “Public faith” by Collette Broady Grund in the October 2015 Cafe online magazine. Today we commemorate James, apostle.
If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.