How often have you wished your troubles would go away? How many times have you (and I) said, “Oh, I’m so tired of this mess. I just wish it would all be right. For once.” More than I care to admit.
I’m in the process of reading Surviving Religion 101 by Michael J. Kruger. It is written in the style of a father writing to his daughter at college. (His real life daughter was just beginning her freshman year at UNC in Charlotte). So the format fits perfectly.
His first chapter address the question: will I survive? I started reading this book because I see and hear and read of so many who are deconstructing their faith, especially those who go off to college. In this first chapter he said something which was so spot on, so insightful, it impacted me enough to write his post. Opposition to our faith comes in various ways. Kruger writes about the effect/importance of/response to opposition.
Here is some of what he wrote:
“In short, opposition made the early Christians better theologians (My note: he had referenced the Gnostics), better defenders of the faith, and better evangelists.”
“But opposition to your faith will change you in another way. In addition to sharpening your mind, it will hone your character.”
And finally: “Don’t view opposition only in negative terms; view it as an opportunity to grow as a Christian, so that you might be better equipped to build up your fellow believers and reach non-Christians more effectively.”
Nothing wasted. No wasted opportunity to learn. To share. To grow. I believe that is God’s modus operandi.
So…let me ask you: how do you view opposition in your life?
“Father, help me to view opposition not as a negative, but as a positive influence in my life.”
{Note: All quotes are from page 35}
