Our culture hates God, but I’m still glad I live in this country
I couldn’t believe my eyes. I had opened my email to be notified of the latest comment on my blog, only to once again see a barrage of messages laced with vulgarity, mocking my condition being physically paralyzed, and ridiculing my outspoken faith.
Was I doing something wrong? Why were random people so bothered by my blog? In light of a corroding culture in America that gives the proverbial middle finger to God, I wondered if this was just the tip of the iceberg. Paranoia rose about what else could be in store.
Once the initial shock wore off, I began to sense God giving me a bold reminder: “This is part of the deal if you’re going to be outspoken about your faith.”
The Bible makes it abundantly clear that resistance is part of the deal when we decide to follow Jesus: “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”. Jesus doesn’t mince words, he tells his followers, “You will be hated by everyone because of me…”.
This blog is just a bunch of words. It costs me absolutely nothing to write it. While standing for truths of the Bible, such as the exclusive claim of Jesus: “No one comes to the Father except through Me”, may anger some people, I am still free to say whatever I want here without fear that it will cost me my life.
In fact, besides antagonistic internet trolls, being called closed-minded to my face for believing what the Bible claims as nonnegotiable truth is about the closest thing to persecution I have experienced. I think I will survive.
The same cannot be said for fellow believers across the globe.
Humanitarian worker Nik Ripken found himself right in the middle of the chaos of the Civil War in Somalia in the 1990s. In his memoir, The Insanity of God, he recounts the climate and shares about a list of “Somali Infidels/Traitors” that was published by a local terrorist group.
The list claimed to identify not only individuals suspected of having converted to Christianity, but also those who were interested in the Christian faith and those who were close friends with Christians. All of these people, the terrorists said, needed to die. This was so normal and implicit in Somalia that the strategy was elaborated on in the local newspaper, as if it was simply the layout of a politician’s new platform.
The Insanity of God recounts stories of imprisonment, torture, and other types of persecution all over the globe that I have trouble even wrapping my mind around. A slew of nasty emails from an anonymous coward behind a screen seems trivial compared to what others are experiencing around the world.
This country may be becoming increasingly hostile to Bible believers, but I’m thankful to still have the freedom to worship how I please and be able to shoot my perspective into cyberspace at will.
Maybe the emails I received were simply to serve as a wake-up call. Maybe just a small fraction of a taste of what persecution could entail. Regardless, I’m thankful to notice a change in how I look at it. The next time an email or jab comes my way, I want to first and foremost keep it in perspective by focusing on those who are facing far more brutal environments around the world.
Whatever may come, I want my posture to be that of Peter and the other apostles who, after getting beaten and imprisoned, began proclaiming, “We were counted worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ!” If that’s what it takes, I want to be all in.
– –
To check out the latest video update: Click here
To connect via Facebook: Click here.
To follow Ryan’s journey via e-mail, click “follow” at the top of the page
Your walk is encouraging to us all! Thank you!
You are amazing Ryan !!! God bless you and your wife . Have a great peaceful Day Sincerely Sue
Ryan: So good to read this and watch the video. Thanks for standing up for truth. Blessings, Dan
I have come to believe that terrorists troll the web with the sole purpose of creating hate and ill will among Americans. When I think of it this way, it saddens me that the world has become this way,but I don’t take comments personally. I just can’t believe people would be so cruel as to mock a differently abled person. . . But then again, look at our leader. . .
Ryan, I admire your courage and I pray I could be as bold. Keep up our Fathers work. One day, you will hear “Well done My good and faithful servant”. It will be then, that you will meet those who have gone on before, and I suspect there will be many There, that are There because of YOU; your witness, your life, your words……Love to you.
Cousin Tracey
Thank you for sharing this, Ryan. We have had it easy when it comes to our religious freedom in the United States, but God’s word says that things are going to get worse before His return. I pray and ask God for His supernatural strength of conviction in the face of the enemy, should I face death for His name. Let’s all remember to pray for Christians in other parts of the world who are facing persecution and death beyond what we imagine.
Amen Ryan, Amen!
Thx, Ryan, for your words of love and commitment to our Savior, Jesus Christ. I just read Mother Teresa’s speech at the National Prayer Breakfast in 1994. She talked of “loving so much that it hurts” and “sometimes its hard to smile at Jesus, He demands so much”. Bless you as you persevere in serving Him and loving the world around you through your words.
Thank you for this reminder, Ryan. It’s easy to be lukewarm, especially when you fear retribution, and you’re right; although the current climate may not be to our liking, we are blessed to be able to worship and speak out. Time to turn up the thermostat!
Awesome…I love this perspective! You are a warrior for the kingdom and it’s beautiful to see. Thank you! Another powerful way to fight this hate is to pray for those who send the ugly words and let the Holy Spirit take over 🙂
Thank you for sharing this eye-opening perspective, Ryan. It didn’t even occur to me that some people would write negative comments about what you said! My husband and I had a great discussion about your blog after I read it to him. You’re such a godly gifted writer and I know you will keep sharing no matter the cost. God bless you! I send lots of love and prayers from your kindergarten teacher 😃🙏.
I am in my 60’s and shocked at how quickly persecution can strengthen and spread. We have seen the persecution increase in this country in just over a decade. Churches, business owners, & families in the news everyday for their stance for Jesus.
In a couples bible study, we were in Rev. 2 last week. We noticed that the only church that was not reprimanded and called to repent…was the church of Smyrna. The persecuted church! Indeed, the suffering and persecution are part of the journey on this narrow road that leads us home.
“All to Thee my blessed Savior; I surrender all!”
Thank you for this wonderful blog, Ryan!
Great encouragement for me. 🙂
Perfect timing! …must be God. Thanks Ryan! Blessings on you!
I don’t know why I continue to be shocked by the hatred that is so prevalent in todays world. It is amazing, though, how Jesus knew that people who spoke out for him would be persecuted; those who would like to believe that they answer only to themselves are intimidated by the idea of God; that would mean they had to think about their life and the choices they make. I will pray for all of them and I thank God that there are people like you who are not afraid to speak.
Thank you for your witness, for perspective, for your courage! You are a bold witness for Christ! I appreciate you and Stephanie. Bless you guys.
Ryan, I’ve been following your blog for awhile. Please keep sharing your voice; don’t let the bullies silence you. Your witness is making a difference. Keep the faith!
Yours, in Christ,
Kim
Thank you, Ryan, for articulating truth with such clarity. You are a needed voice. Your life and perspective are potent. Keep blogging! Keep shining! You are a blessing to the Body of Christ, and you and Stephanie are so loved!
Thanks Sue! Appreciate your encouragement. Hope you’re doing well