Monday, April 20th, 2009 "What Would You Say?"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Monday, April 20^th, 2009

Title: What Would You Say?

Text: Matthew 5:10 (NIV)

¹⁰Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Sunday night after I returned from a youth event I entered my house and found my mom upstairs in the living room watching TV. My wife, Kim, had to run out of town and my mom had volunteered to come over and watch our children while I was at work. I noticed that she was watching the Ms. USA pageant and it was getting toward the end of the competition. Now, being raised by a single mom, who use to compete in pageants as young woman, this was a common occurrence in our household and certainly not the first beauty pageant I’ve watched.

Something that made this pageant more intriguing was the fact that Ms. North Carolina was one of the 5 semifinalists, so I just sat back to see if she would win. One of the last competitions these stunning and very articulate young ladies had to endure was none other than the “Interview” portion where they are asked a question and must, on the fly, give their answer with out any preparation. Ms. California’s turn arrived and she gracefully approached her mark, where she received her question. This was not just any question. It was a question that was sure to bring a response that would certainly cause eyebrows to rise. The question was whether or not she thought that other states should follow the example of Vermont in allowing “Same-Sex Marriages”. Without hesitation, the beautiful young woman, who was a college junior at San Diego Christian College, looked out to the audience and confidently announced that while she thought it was wonderful that in our country people have the right to make choices, but that it was her belief that marriage should be looked upon in the traditional view as belonging to that of a man and a woman. At the time of her answer she was thought to have been in the lead to be crowned Ms. USA. After her answer some people cheered and other jeered as she made her way to the waiting area.

A few minutes later, when the winner was announced, Ms. California finished in 2^nd place to the winner, Ms. North Carolina. And almost immediately the buzz began. This was not a buzz over the excited and emotional winner of the pageant, but one that centered on the fact that Ms. California may not have given the answer many thought she should have, and it cost her The Crown.

Now, whether or not you agree with her answer, it was her answer. Was it wrong for her to give a genuine answer that was true to herself and more importantly, her beliefs? She stood firm in what she believed and was fearless in the face of what I’m sure she realized would certainly become a fierce battle in the court of public opinion. She embraced her relationship with Christ and didn’t fold under the pressure of being the person God called her to be or the person the world thought she should be. Afterward she acknowledged that the answer probably cost her the realization of achieving her life-long dream, but followed that up with continuing to stand firm in her faith and say that if she had to do it over again, she would not change her answer.

I am amazed and inspired that this young lady who authentically stood strong in her Christian beliefs. For so many of us who face daily crossroads in our faith, we tend to fold under the pressure of much simpler questions, comments and decisions. We worry about whether people will like us, exclude us, think there is something wrong with us, and not want to be our friends any more. And instead of standing up in our relationship with Jesus Christ and acknowledging what our faith and beliefs are, we often take a road that will not cause us be persecuted for our faith.

What is wrong with us that we have to attack someone who is simply answering a question truthfully? What is wrong with us when we are more willing to stand with the world instead of standing beside the one who laid his life down for us? And usually our questions don’t even come while standing on a stage in front of thousands of people and millions watching on television. But I do know that Ms. California has made an impact on my life, the kingdom and I hope inspired other Christians to give a response that is true to who they are in their beliefs and not one that will keep them out of the line of fire from a world who will take every opportunity to persecute them for their faith.

So, what would you say?

Something to Think About:

• Have you ever been questioned about your faith? What was the question or circumstance?
• How did you respond? Be truthful.
• How did people respond to what you had to say?
• How can you prepare for situations like this?
• How can you help others stand firm in their faith and give a response that is true to their faith?
• What would you say if you were questioned right now?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I need you strength and your presence to fill me heart, mind and soul. Help me to embrace my relationship with you in all situations and circumstances. Help me to find my strength and satisfaction in my relationship with you and not in whether or not the world is going to love and accept me, because I know you love and accept me. I pray that when I am asked, I will honor you and shine brightly. Amen.