Do You Really KNOW What You Believe?

 

 

Have you ever been harassed, intimidated or verbally attacked by someone of a different denomination/faith/religion? If so, this post is for you.

We live in a day and time whereby people freely give their unsolicited opinions and views - with little to no regard for others.  Oftentimes, these unfiltered opinions and views are harshly presented in a manner that confuses the targeted individual(s) or results in the targeted individual(s) questioning his/her/their own beliefs. Can you recall a time when you were confused or uncertain - after talking to someone with different beliefs? 

At some point in time, you will most likely be confronted by someone who is:

Anti-Church,

Anti-Church

Anti-Christian,

Anti-Christian

Anti-God,

Anti-God

Anti-(Organized Religion),

Anti-(Organized Religion)

Anti-(Your Denomination). 

Anti-(Your Denomination)

Here are some useful tips to apply when you encounter someone who believes differently.  Understand that we live in a free country that allows everyone (regardless of color, nationality, origin or race) to practice (his/her/their) religion of choice.  Therefore, you WILL encounter differences.  Someone once said, “Different doesn't mean wrong. It just means different”. 

1. KNOW their persuasion.  What is their point of view?  When you understand their persuasion, you will better understand why they believe what they believe.  All denominations and religions have basic beliefs that set them apart from another denomination/religion/sect.
2. KNOW what you believe and why you believe it!!!  When you know what you believe, you can defend what you believe.  In 2 Timothy 2:15 we are reminded to, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

When someone of a different persuasion presents an argument to you - remember that is their right.  They have the right to believe it and to defend it.  BUT, they don't have the right to force you to accept what they believe. At the same time, know that you have the right to believe differently and to defend whatever it is that you believe.   We live in a country where all people are free to believe whatever they want to believe per our constitution.  We don’t have to accept anyone else’s beliefs and they don’t have to accept ours!  The United States of America is a culturally diverse nation where we (the citizens) are free to practice whatever religion we want to practice.  Allow others to practice their beliefs/religion WITHOUT theirs infringing upon yours!

But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!

(Joshua 24:15)