let's walk the walk...

One thing I constantly take for granted is freedom of religion. In the US of A we are free to believe -- or not believe -- whatever we want, no matter what someone else says. We can stand outside of Capitol buildings protesting for something we believe in. Now think about that...we can stand outside of our government building..and tell our government officials that Jesus Christ is Lord and He is the way, the truth, and the life. Now lets consider some countries in Asia, where freedom of religion is nonexistent. People are kidnapped, tortured, and even killed if not only government, but also people within cults find out they are worshiping Jesus. It's kind of a foreign concept, huh?
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This comes to my attention because I just started reading the book Radical by David Platt, which he talks about being in a darkened room in an Asian country with church leaders who, if caught there, could lose their lives for discussing the Bible. He says,

They had gathered in secret. They had intentionally come to this place at different times throughout the morning so as not to draw attention to the meeting that was occurring...I listened as they began sharing stories of what God was doing in their churches..."Some of the people in my church have been pulled away by a cult." This particular cult is known for kidnapping believers, taking them to isolated locations, and torturing them. Brothers and sisters having their tongues cut out of their mouths is not uncommon..."I am hurting and I need God's grace to lead my church through these attacks." As I looked around the room, I saw that everyone was now in tears...They all looked at one another and said, "We need to pray." Immediately they went to their knees, and with their faces on the ground, they began to cry out to God...

How crazy is it to think about this? I honestly have a difficult time imagining what this life must be like. I take my freedom of religion for granted every day. People know I'm a Christian...I wear it around my neck on a necklace, I have it on my car, I put it all over my Facebook and Twitter (sharing God via social networking :) ), and I try to show my love for God in my daily life. I can't even imagine how fearful these people must be...but they are so faithful and trustful of God's protection....I admire them. Christian persecution is so prevalent in other parts of the world that attending underground churches is the only way to worship with other Christ followers. Martyrdom happens. But with an unfailing faith in God, persecuted Christians are pressing on despite their circumstances. And the thing is that they're succeeding not only in their walks with God, but also in harvesting new believers. How humbling.
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So where are we as Christians in America??? As a free nation with the ability to preach and disciple OPENLY and well, FREELY, I feel like our America is just going with the flow. We as free Christians could step up and walk the walk like those who risk their lives daily to spread the Word of Christ. We as free Christians SHOULD step up and walk the walk like those who risk their lives daily to spread the Word of Christ. Imagine how much of an impact it could have on the world if we used our freedom to live radically like Jesus and for Jesus. We take our freedom of religion for granted. What a shame it is that we don't take advantage of the fact that opportunities to make disciples are prevalent here in America...we need to use our freedom to further His kingdom. We're at a turning point and it's our decision. Live and share His love...don't be selfish. Let's take advantage of our freedom of religion...Let's do something radical.
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I encourage y'all to read Radical by David Platt. It challenges us Christians to take up our crosses and live out what the Bible commands of us. "To believe and obey what you have heard." He encourages us to live radically, as Jesus did. It's a great book (from what I have heard and read thus far)...$15.00 at a Bible book store, or online. You wont regret it!