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To Offend or Not to Offend



To offend or not to offend that is the question. During my previous visits to the Holy Land, I have observed a system, a means of discretion. When amongst Jews and Muslims I tend to hide my cross beneath my shirt as not to offend them. However, this act of tact has caused me great grief and outrage. I have two verses that dost wage war against one another within my being. The first is: "Be all things to all people, be a jew to the jew, a greek to the greek, a scithian to the scithian, and gentile to the gentile." The other is "delight in suffering, for if they hated the sepherd, they will hate you. Be glad to share in the tribulations of Christ." A part of me feels that I should be sensitive to others, to not try to incite a feud or quarrel by displaying a symbol that could cause contention. However, I also feel ashamed: like I am denying who I am, that I am failing to profess Christ to the unbeliever.

I become quite vehemented that it is acceptable for Jews to wear Kifahs or head coverings, that they may display their faith, that Islamists may pray publicly five times a day, but I am suppose to hide the Holy Rood that reminds all of whom I have sworn alligance to? I grow weary of being politcally correct; I bare the cross with pride and attempt to resist the fear of man. I like to be liked, but at what cost? Christ is apart of me, nay he is me! We are one, without him I am not Jeffrey. I am a shell, a shadow of the person that I truly am. Oh God! Grant me the strength to bare the suffering, to be mistreated, persecuted, and loathed by my fellow man. Amen.

Comments

  1. The PendletonsJune 4, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    Thou dost already know that I shall pray! Stay strong, Jeff! Keep to Christ...I have the same struggle here in the USA at times! Well...I used to! But, now I am trying to find a larger cross to show that I belong to Christ even more. (I do love my small medieval cross, but I fear tis quite small.)

    I know it can grow hard at times...but whenever ye art tempted to conceal thy cross...remember that Christ died upon that cross for thee. He did not hide it. God tells us that the truth will offend! Tis for us to do our part for others by sharing Christ in any way we can. (there I go preaching again ;)

    I love to read that thou art taking a stand...tis rare and should be treasured!

    Keep the faith, good Knight!!! And I shall pray all the more. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sir PendragonJune 5, 2011 at 12:41 AM

    I could purchase a Jerusalem Cross for thee if you would like. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. The PendletonsJune 5, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    That is truly kind of thee. :) But I know not how thou wouldst get it to me...unless thou art still going to FL. this year and ye visited our church. :D ;)
    But, truly...thou dost not need to. I have my eye on one now...but please allow me to express my thankfulness. Ye art truly a kind knight. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. The PendletonsJune 5, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    Oh...and in light of this post "To Offend or Not to Offend"
    I thought I would share with you what you have shared with me...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHhHgOPYmIs :)

    And there are a couple Newsboys songs that I could share. :)

    Just keep to what you have been! Your voice may be one in a million...but it is Christ speaking through you...and "they AINT takin that from you!"

    And if we speak together...one voice will eventually be a million. We as Christians are in this fight together...and we each must do our part. :)

    I am honored to fight along side thee. :)

    ReplyDelete

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