The post below isn't a really good analysis of an argument or issue, but it's writing, nonetheless.
Bitterly icy winds blow through slits between wooden boards and cement walls. But inside the large room is the warmth of about one hundred people, gathered together, ready to worship the Almighty God. Everyone softly sings praises and heartfelt thanks to God their Father, careful not to arouse suspicion of outsiders.
It's an underground church in a country that cannot be named. Jesus' name is not lightly spoken. Their faith is not public. They pray and worship together in hidden places. The penalty for their faith in Christ is certain death.
But all seems safe in this dark room. Everyone reaches out their hands to God in prayer. All is at peace. There is no peril. At least it seems safe.
Loud, running footsteps thunder outside the locked oaken doors. Heavy steps of booted men, military and/or government-appointed, perhaps. Certainly, armed men.
The room falls silent and each one hopes against hope that the passing people decide against entering. A false sense of quiet reigns for a few moments, when the splintering crash of knocked down doors sends all the people into terrific frenzy.
A dozen, dark, and masked men march into the room. Each is equipped with rifles and knifes. The probable leader steps forward, aims gun in the direction of largest huddle, and in a low, frightening tone states, "Whoever here is not a Christian, it is in your best interest to leave this room immediately."
Several heads turn to each other with wide eyes. They speedily walk out of the room. About two-thirds of the congregation is left.
"One last chance to leave. If you are not a Christian, exit this room, now."
Each rifle is leveled at some man's head.
Hesitantly, more terrified people gather belongings, and with bowed heads depart hurriedly and regretfully out of the room. Less than half of the original assembly remain.
All twelve men begin walking towards the back side of the room. All the trembling remnants gathered to the opposite side, drawing close, and fearing the worst.
To the surprise of all, the men laid down their weapons and slowly removed their masks.
"Alright, we can really worship now."
This is a true story. (The details aren't so specific, because I wrote this out on my own, but this is the general gist.)
What do I make of it? I put myself in each category's position. I want to put myself in the last, but I honestly don't know. Maybe I wouldn't be scared to stand until the last.
But if I'm the last one standing and the cold steel, now dusty and scalding hot from several shots, is pressed against my temple, will I falter? Will I contemplate the worth of my faith? Will I flinch at that critical moment and give in?
Will I deny my God?
Or am I for real? Do I really love my God with all my heart, soul, and strength? Do I really believe in all that I have declared and shared? Do I really know what Christ has done for me? Do I really surrender my life to Him?
It's not funny and I know, one day, I'll probably be in that position. I may be tortured beyond what I can bear. But from the depths of my heart, I hope and pray I will not forsake the God who so lovingly chased after me and gave His Son to die that I might live.
This is so real for so many people. It's hard for me to know even what I'm talking about, unless I were to experience it. I'm sure, after one goes through such an experience, words cannot explain any emotion or pain endured in the process.
I hate that I don't have a great conclusion. Hopefully, this will stimulate some thought and cause you to rethink some of your life. Any other thoughts are welcome as well. :)
Blessings to you all!
~CJ
Bitterly icy winds blow through slits between wooden boards and cement walls. But inside the large room is the warmth of about one hundred people, gathered together, ready to worship the Almighty God. Everyone softly sings praises and heartfelt thanks to God their Father, careful not to arouse suspicion of outsiders.
It's an underground church in a country that cannot be named. Jesus' name is not lightly spoken. Their faith is not public. They pray and worship together in hidden places. The penalty for their faith in Christ is certain death.
But all seems safe in this dark room. Everyone reaches out their hands to God in prayer. All is at peace. There is no peril. At least it seems safe.
Loud, running footsteps thunder outside the locked oaken doors. Heavy steps of booted men, military and/or government-appointed, perhaps. Certainly, armed men.
The room falls silent and each one hopes against hope that the passing people decide against entering. A false sense of quiet reigns for a few moments, when the splintering crash of knocked down doors sends all the people into terrific frenzy.
A dozen, dark, and masked men march into the room. Each is equipped with rifles and knifes. The probable leader steps forward, aims gun in the direction of largest huddle, and in a low, frightening tone states, "Whoever here is not a Christian, it is in your best interest to leave this room immediately."
Several heads turn to each other with wide eyes. They speedily walk out of the room. About two-thirds of the congregation is left.
"One last chance to leave. If you are not a Christian, exit this room, now."
Each rifle is leveled at some man's head.
Hesitantly, more terrified people gather belongings, and with bowed heads depart hurriedly and regretfully out of the room. Less than half of the original assembly remain.
All twelve men begin walking towards the back side of the room. All the trembling remnants gathered to the opposite side, drawing close, and fearing the worst.
To the surprise of all, the men laid down their weapons and slowly removed their masks.
"Alright, we can really worship now."
This is a true story. (The details aren't so specific, because I wrote this out on my own, but this is the general gist.)
What do I make of it? I put myself in each category's position. I want to put myself in the last, but I honestly don't know. Maybe I wouldn't be scared to stand until the last.
But if I'm the last one standing and the cold steel, now dusty and scalding hot from several shots, is pressed against my temple, will I falter? Will I contemplate the worth of my faith? Will I flinch at that critical moment and give in?
Will I deny my God?
Or am I for real? Do I really love my God with all my heart, soul, and strength? Do I really believe in all that I have declared and shared? Do I really know what Christ has done for me? Do I really surrender my life to Him?
It's not funny and I know, one day, I'll probably be in that position. I may be tortured beyond what I can bear. But from the depths of my heart, I hope and pray I will not forsake the God who so lovingly chased after me and gave His Son to die that I might live.
This is so real for so many people. It's hard for me to know even what I'm talking about, unless I were to experience it. I'm sure, after one goes through such an experience, words cannot explain any emotion or pain endured in the process.
I hate that I don't have a great conclusion. Hopefully, this will stimulate some thought and cause you to rethink some of your life. Any other thoughts are welcome as well. :)
Blessings to you all!
~CJ
It's a good reality check. I think about this occasionally too, and I always come to the conclusion that I could never stand strong for Jesus in all circumstances -- by myself. I do not have the grace right now to face torture and death for Christ, but if I am ever in that situation, I know that He will give me the grace to stand for Him.
ReplyDeleteNow, here's some constructive criticism for you! Mostly minor sentence construction things ;-)
1. In the second paragraph, the tense doesn't match the rest of the story. Try replacing "you" and "your" with "they" and "their".
2. "Everyone raises out their hands to God in prayer" would read better and be more correct with "reaches" instead of "raises"
3. "Loud, running footsteps are discerned outside the locked oaken doors." "Are discerned" is a bit wordy; try replacing it with "sound" or "thunder".
Just a few things to maybe look at. :-)
YAY!! Comments are working for you, now?
ReplyDelete"Thank you muchly! :D :D"