CHOOSING RIGHT RESPONSES
1. Self-evaluation and Repentance
Whenever we face calamity, the Bible instructs us to humble ourselves, repent of our own sins and turn to God (II Chronicles 7:14). As horrific as terrorists attacks are, we must recall the words of our Lord: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? (Matthew 7:3). Or, “… unless you repent, you too will perish” (Luke 13:1-5). America is the world’s number one advertiser of a life-style allowing adultery, homosexuality, pornography, and abortion. And far too many professing Christians participate in these sins. As the church of Christ we need to repent and cry out for God’s mercy.
2. Trust in God
Christians need to trust that God is in control and will bring good out of evil in these turbulent times: “And we know that in all things God works for the good to those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). After immense suffering, Joseph was able to say to his brothers: “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:2). It has been refreshing to see how this generation, often bent on selfishness, has banded together to sacrifice and service. Since the arrest of Christian aid workers in Afghanistan for sharing their faith, God will surely raise up many more to pray and go to Muslims with the gospel. Christians are becoming more aware of the great physical and spiritual needs of Muslims throughout the world.
3. Engage in Dialogue
In some cases Muslim activists have been given an open platform in churches to explain Islam. If we do invite a Muslim to speak in church we should also invite a Christian who is knowledgeable in Islam to present the Christian perspective on the subject at hand. Giving Muslims an open platform to propagate their faith confuses Christians and sends the wrong message about Islam. Also, it only seems fair that Christians should in turn be invited to mosques to give the Christian view, in order to have true Muslim-Christian dialogue.
4. Anticipate Greater Receptivity
We should anticipate greater Muslim receptivity in the days ahead as they hear the gospel. Christians have been praying for centuries that Muslims would respond but often there has been little lasting fruit. Research study on Islamic fundamentalism and Christian conversion indicates that when Muslims see the rigidity and severity of the Shari’ah, they tend to reject Islam and embrace the “Prince of Peace.”
5. Prepare for Total Commitment
There is a parallel between our present crisis and biblical records about the circumstances surrounding Queen Esther. Her people were targeted for destruction, but facing this dilemma, she sensed that God had placed her in the kingdom “for such a time as this.” In simple faith, she said, “If I perish, I perish.” As God worked out his plan then to save his people through Esther, it seems that God now wants to use the church to avert the eternal destruction of innocent Muslims around the world. With more than a billion Muslims in our world, who awaken daily without the Scriptures, and without any assurance that their sins are forgiven, we must redouble our efforts in prayer, giving and going. Will we respond as our Lord desires for such a time as this?
Once upon a time, there was a long abandoned farm on the edge of a mid-sized town. Everybody knew about it.
One day an industrious farmer bought that run-down farm, and through plenty of hard work, in the course of a few months plowed and planted the fields, fixed the fence, repaired and painted the house. The old place looked great.
Not long after, the town preacher was taking a look around the town local trip, came upon the farm, spied the farmer at work, and waved.
The farmer came over and they exchanged pleasant greetings.
“How wonderful it is, what God has wrought here!” Said the preacher.
“Yup, but you should have seen this place when he had it all to himself!” said the farmer.
I suspect there is a moral hear connected with Americans dealing with Islam.