Wake Up, Christian: Why I Write About Tough Topics

One of the questions I get asked quite often is this:

“Why do you write about such tough topics?”

Sometimes the question is phrased a little differently:

“Why don’t you just stick to the nice,

encouraging, less controversial subjects?”

My answer is usually very simple:

Because that is what God has placed on my heart at that moment.

I don’t sit down and ask myself, “How can I make people uncomfortable today?” I sit down and ask, “Lord, what do You want me to say?”

Sometimes He leads me to write about hope, healing, miracles, and encouragement. Other times He leads me to write about difficult issues that many people would rather avoid.

The truth is, I believe too many Christians have become comfortable.

Far too many believers want to walk through life with blinders on, roast marshmallows, eat s’mores, and pretend everything in the world is just fine.

But it isn’t.

Look around.

People are hurting.

Families are broken.

Addictions are destroying lives.

Human trafficking continues to victimize millions.

Abuse is often ignored.

Depression and anxiety are everywhere.

Suicide rates remain alarming.

Loneliness is growing.

The world is facing some very real and very difficult challenges.

As followers of Christ, we cannot afford to pretend these issues don’t exist.

Jesus never ignored pain.

Jesus never looked away from suffering.

Jesus never avoided difficult conversations.

He stepped directly into the brokenness of humanity and brought truth, hope, healing, and redemption.

As Christians, we are called to be a bright light in a dark world. Sometimes that means encouraging people. Sometimes it means comforting people. Sometimes it means speaking difficult truths and confronting evil when we see it.

The world doesn’t need a thirty-minute sitcom version of Christianity.

The world doesn’t need believers who pretend life is perfect.

The world doesn’t need another polished sermon that makes us feel good on Sunday but leaves us spiritually empty by Monday morning.

What the world desperately needs is genuine Christianity.

People want authenticity.

They want to see believers who are honest about their struggles.

They want to see Christians who admit they don’t have it all together.

They want to see followers of Jesus who are willing to show their scars, their failures, their lessons learned, and how God carried them through.

They want to see faith that is real.

The Gospel was never meant to simply make us comfortable.

It was meant to transform us.

Growth rarely happens when we stay comfortable.

Growth happens when God challenges us.

Growth happens when we wrestle with hard truths.

Growth happens when the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts and calls us to something greater.

That is why I will continue sharing messages that challenge people.

Not because I enjoy controversy.

Not because I think I have all the answers.

But because I believe God often uses uncomfortable moments to produce spiritual growth.

If a message makes us stop and think, examine our hearts, or see the world through God’s eyes, then perhaps that discomfort is exactly what we need.

Now, don’t worry—I won’t write only about difficult subjects.

I’ll still sprinkle in plenty of encouraging posts about faith, hope, healing, miracles, worship, and God’s goodness.

After all, encouragement is important too.

But I will not shy away from the hard conversations when God places them on my heart.

The Church doesn’t need less truth.

The Church doesn’t need less courage.

The Church doesn’t need less conviction.

The Church needs believers who are awake, engaged, and willing to shine the light of Christ wherever darkness exists.

So my encouragement today is simple:

Wake up.

Look around.

Pray.

Pay attention.

Love people.

Speak truth.

Show grace.

Confront evil.

Offer hope.

And above all else, point people to Jesus.

Because this world doesn’t need comfortable Christianity.

It needs Christians who are willing to follow Jesus wherever He leads—even when the conversation gets difficult. ~OC

Hope Isles: A New Beginning Chapter Six: A House of Hope

For several moments, James and Sarah remained kneeling beside the open metal box.

The old journal rested between them.

Dusty.

Worn.

Yet somehow full of life.

James carefully opened the cover.

Inside, written in neat handwriting, were the words:

“Jonathan Davis – 1978”

David’s father.

The man who had hidden the box.

The man who had written the letter.

The man who believed the Wilson house could become a refuge.

James slowly turned the pages.

Most entries described everyday life in Hope Isles.

Church picnics.

Fishing trips.

Neighbors helping neighbors.

But then he found something that made him stop.

A page titled:

“The Hope House Dream”

Sarah noticed immediately.

“What is it?”

James began reading aloud.

“One day I pray this house will become a place where people can begin again. Too many people carry burdens alone. Too many believe their mistakes are greater than God’s mercy.”

He continued.

“If the Lord provides, may these rooms shelter the hurting, the lonely, and those seeking a second chance.”

Sarah wiped her eyes.

The words felt strangely familiar.

Because they described exactly what she had found when she arrived carrying her suitcase.

A second chance.

That evening, James invited David to the Wilson house.

The older man arrived just before sunset.

As he stepped onto the porch, memories seemed to wash over him.

“I haven’t stood here in years.”

James held up the journal.

“I think you’ll want to see this.”

David’s eyes widened.

“My father’s journal.”

Inside the living room, they gathered around the dining table.

James carefully laid out the contents of the metal box.

Letters.

Photographs.

The journal.

And the original note.

David picked up a faded photograph.

A smile crossed his face.

“That’s my mother.”

Sarah leaned forward.

The photo showed several people standing on the porch decades earlier.

“What are they doing?”

David chuckled softly.

“Helping a family move in.”

The smile faded slightly.

“My parents used to take people in when they needed help.”

James looked up.

“They did?”

David nodded.

“Travelers. Families struggling financially. Folks who needed a place to stay for a few weeks.”

Sarah exchanged a glance with James.

The similarities were becoming impossible to ignore.

Later that night, Pastor Timothy joined them.

After reading the journal, he leaned back quietly.

Nobody spoke for a while.

Finally the pastor smiled.

“I’ve prayed for something like this.”

James looked surprised.

“You have?”

“For years.”

The pastor folded his hands.

“There are people in Hope Isles who need support. Some need encouragement. Some need community. Some simply need a safe place.”

Sarah smiled.

“Sounds familiar.”

Pastor Timothy nodded.

“Very.”

David stared at the journal.

“My father never got to fully realize this dream.”

James looked at the old house around them.

“Maybe it wasn’t meant for him alone.”

The room grew quiet again.

A peaceful kind of quiet.

The kind that comes when people sense God weaving together something larger than themselves.

The next morning, June arrived at the Sit Awhile Diner before sunrise.

She unlocked the door and began preparing for the breakfast crowd.

A few minutes later she noticed an envelope taped to the front window.

Curious, she removed it.

Written on the front were the words:

“For June.”

Inside was a handwritten note.

She read it once.

Then twice.

Then a third time.

By the time Joe arrived for breakfast, June was still staring at it.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

June handed him the note.

Joe read silently.

His eyebrows climbed.

“Well, I’ll be.”

“What do you think?”

“I think we’d better call Pastor Timothy.”

An hour later, Pastor Timothy, James, Sarah, June, and Joe sat together in a booth at the diner.

The note lay in the center of the table.

James read it aloud.

“To the people of Hope Isles…”

“Several years ago, a small charitable fund was established by Jonathan and Margaret Davis. The account has remained largely untouched and forgotten.”

“As the surviving trustee, I believe it is time for the funds to be used for their intended purpose.”

“The money is to support the vision described in Jonathan Davis’s journal.”

“A place of refuge. A place of hope.”

“Please contact me at your earliest convenience.”

Signed:

Margaret Whitaker, Attorney-at-Law

Everyone sat silently.

Joe finally broke the silence.

“Did we just discover a hidden ministry and a hidden fund in the same week?”

“Apparently,” June replied.

Sarah laughed.

“Only in Hope Isles.”

Pastor Timothy looked at James.

“What are you thinking?”

James stared out the diner window.

People walked along Main Street.

Neighbors greeted one another.

Life carried on as usual.

Yet something significant was happening 

beneath the surface.

Finally he answered.

“I think God is opening doors.”

David smiled.

“My father would’ve liked that answer.”

Then James added quietly,

“And I think this house is about to become exactly what it was always meant to be.”

Outside, the church bells rang across Hope Isles.

And as the sound echoed through town, none of them realized that another person would soon arrive at the Wilson house.

A young man.

Carrying a backpack.

Running from his past.

And desperately searching for a place to belong.

To Be Continued…

SURRENDER

Here is a acronym I created for the word S.U.R.R.E.N.D.E.R.

S – Seek God first in all things
U – Understand that His ways are higher than ours
R – Rest in His promises during every season
R – Rely on His strength instead of your own
E – Embrace His grace and mercy each day
N – Nurture your faith through prayer and Scripture
D – Deny yourself and take up your cross daily
E – Encourage others with the love of Christ
R – Remain faithful until the end

Faith Journey Reflection:

SURRENDER is not giving up—it is giving everything over to God. It is seeking Him, trusting Him, relying on His strength, and remaining faithful as He leads us step by step on our journey of faith.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 

Hope Isles: A New Beginning Chapter Three

The evening air was cool as James sat on the curb across from the old Wilson house.

The young woman clutched the handle of her suitcase.

Neither spoke for several moments.

Finally, James broke the silence.

“My name is James.”

A faint smile crossed her face.

“I know.”

“Then I suppose it’s only fair that I learn your name.”

She looked down at the ground.

“Sarah.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Sarah.”

She nodded.

“You too.”

James could see exhaustion in her eyes.

Not the kind that came from a long day.

The kind that came from carrying heavy burdens for a long time.

“You said Pastor Timothy sent you?”

“Yes.”

“He knows your situation?”

Sarah swallowed hard.

“Some of it.”

James nodded gently.

“You don’t have to tell me anything tonight.”

The tension in her shoulders eased.

For the first time since he’d arrived, she looked slightly relieved.

A few minutes later, James opened the front door.

The old house creaked as they stepped inside.

Sarah stopped in the foyer.

Her eyes widened.

“It’s beautiful.”

“It needs work.”

“It still feels like home.”

The words lingered in the air.

James smiled.

“I hope so.”

He carried her suitcase upstairs.

Stopping at one of the freshly cleaned bedrooms, he opened the door.

A simple bed.

A dresser.

A lamp.

A small Bible on the nightstand.

Nothing fancy.

But it was clean and comfortable.

Sarah stepped into the room slowly.

Almost as if she couldn’t believe it was real.

“You can stay here as long as you need.”

Her eyes immediately filled with tears.

“I don’t know how to thank you.”

“You don’t have to.”

“But you don’t even know me.”

James leaned against the doorway.

“Everybody needs someone to believe in them before they’ve earned it.”

Sarah wiped her eyes.

“Not many people think that way.”

“Someone once did it for me.”

She looked at him curiously.

But James didn’t elaborate.

Not yet.

The next morning, news traveled through Hope Isles at its usual speed.

Which was to say…

Very fast.

By breakfast, half the town knew someone had moved into the Wilson house.

By lunch, everyone knew.

At the Sit Awhile Diner, June was pouring coffee when Joe arrived.

“You heard?” he asked.

June laughed.

“I’ve heard six versions already.”

Joe slid into a booth.

“They say James has a woman living at the house.”

June raised an eyebrow.

“They also said last month that Mayor Jenkins was secretly buying a circus.”

Joe nodded.

“Fair point.”

At that moment, Pastor Timothy entered.

June pointed a coffee pot at him.

“Well?”

“Well what?”

“Settle the rumors.”

Pastor Timothy smiled knowingly.

“Sarah needed help.”

Joe nodded slowly.

“And James helped.”

“Yes.”

June folded her arms.

“That’s all?”

“That’s all.”

The pastor took a sip of coffee.

Then added,

“Sometimes the truth is much less interesting than the gossip.”

Meanwhile, Sarah sat on the Wilson house porch.

For the first time in months, she felt safe.

James was in the front yard planting flowers.

She watched him work.

Eventually she spoke.

“You don’t ask many questions.”

James looked up.

“I ask when people are ready to answer.”

Sarah was quiet.

Then she said,

“I left home.”

James nodded.

“I figured.”

“My dad and I haven’t spoken in almost a year.”

James listened.

“He wanted me to become someone I’m not.”

Sarah stared at the porch railing.

“When I finally left, I thought I’d be okay.”

“What happened?”

“I ran out of money.”

The words came out barely above a whisper.

“And then?”

“I got scared.”

James sat down on the porch steps.

“Thank you for telling me.”

She looked surprised.

“That’s all you’re going to say?”

“For now.”

Sarah laughed softly.

“Most people would’ve given advice by now.”

“I’ve learned advice works better after listening.”

Later that afternoon, James rode his bicycle into town.

As he passed the harbor, he noticed an elderly 

man struggling to carry fishing supplies from his truck.

Without hesitation, James stopped.

“Need a hand?”

The old fisherman grinned.

“Depends.”

“On what?”

“Whether you’re strong enough.”

James laughed.

“Only one way to find out.”

Together they carried the supplies.

When they finished, the fisherman stuck out his hand.

“The name’s Walter.”

James shook it.

“Nice to meet you.”

Walter studied him for a moment.

“So you’re the young fellow everybody keeps talking about.”

“I was hoping that would stop.”

Walter chuckled.

“In Hope Isles?”

“Good point.”

The old fisherman pointed toward town.

“People aren’t talking because you’re new.”

“They’re not?”

“No.”

“Then why?”

Walter smiled.

“Because kindness stands out these days.”

That evening, as the sun sank below the horizon, James sat alone on the porch.

The house behind him felt different now.

Less empty.

More alive.

One room was occupied.

One life was beginning to heal.

As he watched the last rays of sunlight disappear, he heard a voice behind him.

“James?”

It was Sarah.

“Yes?”

She stepped onto the porch.

“I haven’t prayed in a long time.”

James nodded.

“Okay.”

She hesitated.

Then quietly asked,

“Would you pray with me?”

A smile spread across his face.

“Absolutely.”

As the stars began appearing over Hope Isles, the two bowed their heads together on the porch of the old Wilson house.

Neither of them noticed the figure standing across the street, watching from the shadows.

A man.

Older.

Unfamiliar.

And judging by the expression on his face…

He wasn’t there by accident.

To Be Continued…

When We Care More About Position Than Protection

Today’s a new day!

I know many people may disagree with what I am about to say, and that’s okay. Healthy disagreement is part of life and part of the Church. But I stand firmly by these words.

I care far more about the victims of abuse in our churches than I do about whether a woman teaches a Bible study, preaches a sermon, or stands behind a pulpit in a Southern Baptist Church—or any other church.

For years, countless hours, meetings, conferences, articles, and social media debates have focused on the role of women in ministry. Entire denominations have wrestled with the question. Churches have split over it. Christians have passionately argued both sides.

Yet while some believers are consumed with debates about who is allowed to speak from the platform, children, teenagers, and vulnerable adults have suffered abuse in churches that were supposed to be safe places.

That should break our hearts.

When Jesus walked this earth, He consistently placed people above power, compassion above control, and protection of the vulnerable above religious posturing. He reserved some of His strongest words for religious leaders who burdened others while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

I cannot help but wonder what Jesus thinks when churches spend more energy debating who can preach or teach than they spend ensuring children are protected.

I cannot help but wonder what He thinks when victims are ignored, silenced, questioned, or blamed while church leaders focus on preserving reputations and institutions.

The Church should be the safest place on earth for a child.

The safest place for a survivor.

The safest place for the wounded.

The safest place for those seeking healing.

And yet, too often, it has not been.

This is not a statement against theology. 

Theology matters. Scripture matters. Church governance matters. But if our theological discussions become more important than protecting people made in the image of God, something has gone terribly wrong.

If Christians are more concerned about a woman’s role in ministry than they are about children being abused, they have missed something essential in the teachings of Jesus.

If we can passionately argue about positions while remaining silent about victims, we need to examine our priorities.

If we are quicker to defend institutions than to defend the brokenhearted, we need to return to the heart of Christ.

Jesus welcomed children.

Jesus protected the vulnerable.

Jesus stood with the hurting.

Jesus confronted religious leaders who had lost sight of what mattered most.

The Church should do the same.

The world is watching how we respond. More importantly, survivors are watching.

They don’t need another debate.

They need safety.

They need accountability.

They need justice.

They need compassion.

They need to know that the Church values their well-being more than its reputation.

My prayer is that Christians of every denomination would become known not merely for what we believe, but for how fiercely we protect the vulnerable, how seriously we take abuse allegations, how compassionately we care for survivors, and how faithfully we reflect the heart of Jesus.

Because at the end of the day, protecting the vulnerable is not a political issue.

It is not a denominational issue.

It is not a conservative issue or a progressive issue.

It is a Jesus issue. ~OC

A Free Press Matters

Today’s a new day!

When I was in high school, I had a dream. I wanted to be the next great sports journalist. I loved sports, but even more than the games themselves, I loved the stories behind them. I admired the journalists who traveled the country, asked tough questions, told inspiring stories, and brought fans closer to the athletes and teams they followed.

Journalism fascinated me because it was about more than reporting scores and statistics. It was about seeking the truth, telling the stories that needed to be told, and helping people stay informed.

That is why I find myself disappointed by the growing attacks on journalists that we see today.

No, journalists are not perfect. They are human beings, and like every profession, there are good ones and bad ones. Some make mistakes. Some have biases. But the answer to imperfect journalism is not to destroy journalism. The answer is to pursue better journalism.

Throughout history, journalists have played a critical role in holding powerful people accountable. They have uncovered corruption, exposed injustice, highlighted the struggles of ordinary people, and brought important issues into the public conversation. Many have risked their careers, their freedom, and even their lives to report the truth.

A healthy democracy depends on an informed citizenry. People cannot make wise decisions if they do not have access to information. They cannot hold leaders accountable if no one is asking questions. They cannot understand what is happening in their communities, their nation, or the world if there is no one reporting the facts.

That is why a free press is so important.

We may not always agree with what journalists write. We may disagree with their conclusions, perspectives, or reporting. But disagreement should never become hostility toward the very institution that helps keep citizens informed.

As Christians, we should be people who value truth. Scripture repeatedly calls us to walk in truth, speak truth, and seek truth. While journalists are not the source of truth itself, many faithfully work to uncover facts and bring important information into the light.

When I think back to my high school dream of becoming a sports journalist, I still have great respect for those who dedicate their lives to telling stories and informing the public. Their work matters.

A democracy without journalists is a democracy left in the dark.

We may not always like what we hear, but a society that values truth must also value those who seek to report it.

Let us encourage honesty, integrity, and accountability in journalism while recognizing the vital role a free press plays in preserving freedom. An informed people are better equipped to make wise decisions, engage in meaningful conversations, and help build a stronger future for the next generation. ~OC

Human Trafficking: The Conversation We Cannot Afford To Avoid

Today’s a new day!

For almost twenty years, I have been involved in the fight against human trafficking. It has been one of the most rewarding and heartbreaking journeys of my life. I have seen lives restored, survivors find hope, and communities come together to protect the vulnerable. But I have also seen unimaginable pain, brokenness, and exploitation.

One thing that continues to break my heart is the response I sometimes receive when trying to discuss this horrific crime. More than once, I have heard people say, “I don’t want to hear about that.”

Every time I hear those words, a question immediately comes to mind: What if it were your child? What if it were your grandchild? What if it were your neighbor’s child? Would you still not want to hear about it?

The reality is that human trafficking thrives in darkness and silence. The traffickers count on people looking away. They count on communities being uncomfortable. They count on society deciding that the subject is too disturbing to discuss.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to do the opposite.

Jesus never ignored suffering. He never walked away from broken people because their situation was uncomfortable. He stepped into the pain. He confronted evil. He brought light into dark places. If we are going to follow His example, we cannot close our eyes to the suffering happening around us.

The truth is that every statistic represents a real person. Every number has a name. Every victim has a story. Every life being trafficked is a life created in the image of God. These are sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors whose dreams are being stolen and whose dignity is being attacked.

Ending human trafficking will require more than awareness campaigns and social media posts. It will require courageous people willing to have difficult conversations. It will require churches willing to educate their congregations. It will require parents willing to talk to their children. It will require communities willing to recognize the warning signs and refuse to remain silent.

Yes, these conversations can be uncomfortable. Yes, they can be heartbreaking. But difficult conversations often lead to life-saving action.

Proverbs 31:8 tells us, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”

That is not a suggestion. It is a calling.

We cannot protect what we refuse to discuss. We cannot fight what we refuse to acknowledge. We cannot rescue people if we choose comfort over compassion.

My prayer is that the Church would be known not for avoiding hard topics but for courageously confronting them with truth, love, and action. May we be people who refuse to look away. May we be people who speak up for the vulnerable. May we be people who shine the light of Christ into some of the darkest places in our world.

Because every statistic is a person.

Every person matters to God.

And that is reason enough to have the tough conversations.

This message is difficult, but it’s one that can help bring awareness, protection, and hope to those who need it most. ~OC

Deep Roots

Today’s a new day!

One of the realities of gardening is that weeds are inevitable. No matter how beautiful the garden, weeds will eventually try to find their way in. The same is true in our spiritual lives. Negative thoughts, temptations, distractions, discouragement, offense, fear, and doubt often try to take root in our hearts.

The question is not whether weeds will appear. The question is whether our roots are deep enough to deal with them.

When a plant has shallow roots, it is vulnerable. A strong wind can uproot it. A dry season can destroy it. It lacks the stability and strength needed to endure life’s challenges.

But when roots grow deep, everything changes.

Deep roots provide stability during storms. Deep roots allow the plant to draw nourishment even during drought. Deep roots create strength that is not easily shaken.

The same principle applies to followers of Jesus.

When our roots are planted deeply in God’s Word, prayer, worship, and daily fellowship with Christ, we develop spiritual strength. We become anchored in truth rather than tossed around by every opinion, circumstance, or challenge that comes our way.

A believer with deep roots can quickly identify weeds when they appear.

When bitterness tries to grow, they pull it out.

When fear tries to take hold, they replace it with faith.

When offense shows up, they choose forgiveness.

When lies from the enemy appear, they stand on the truth of God’s Word.

Why? Because healthy roots make it easier to remove unhealthy growth.

The deeper your roots go into Christ, the less room there is for weeds to take over your life.

Jesus taught about this in the parable of the sower. Some seeds sprang up quickly but had no deep roots, so when trouble came, they withered away. God desires for us to be firmly rooted in Him so that we can withstand every season of life.

Perhaps today you are noticing some weeds trying to grow in your heart. Don’t be discouraged. Instead, focus on deepening your roots. Spend time with Jesus. Read His Word. Worship Him. Pray consistently. Stay connected to other believers who encourage your faith.

As your roots grow deeper, you’ll discover that pulling out the weeds becomes much easier because the truth of God has taken such a strong hold in your life.

The goal isn’t simply removing weeds. The goal is becoming so deeply rooted in Christ that His life, His peace, His joy, and His strength flourish in every area of your life.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” — Colossians 2:6-7

Stay rooted. Stay grounded. Stay connected to Jesus. The deeper the roots, the stronger the life. ~OC

Living Out Your Faith At Work

As we start a new week, I wanted to share something that is on my heart: living out your faith at your job.

For many believers, it is easy to think of faith as something that only happens on Sunday mornings. We worship, pray, read our Bibles, and fellowship with other believers. Yet God never intended our faith to be limited to a church building. Our faith is meant to be lived out everywhere we go, including our workplace.

Whether you work in an office, a school, a hospital, a construction site, a retail store, or from your home, your job is a mission field. Every day, God places people in your path who may never step foot inside a church but who can witness the love of Christ through your life.

Living out your faith at work does not always mean preaching a sermon to your coworkers. Sometimes it means showing integrity when no one is watching. It means treating others with kindness when they are difficult to love. It means refusing to participate in gossip, dishonesty, or negativity. It means being dependable, trustworthy, and giving your best effort because you are ultimately working for the Lord.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” What a powerful perspective! Our work becomes an act of worship when we do it with excellence and gratitude unto God.

There will be days when your patience is tested. There will be moments when coworkers, customers, or supervisors challenge you. In those moments, your response may speak louder than any words you could ever say. The peace you display in the middle of pressure, the grace you extend when others are harsh, and the hope you carry during difficult times can point people directly to Jesus.

Remember, you may be the only Bible some people ever read. Your attitude, your character, and your actions can open doors for conversations about faith that would otherwise never happen.

As this new week begins, ask the Lord to help you shine His light wherever He has planted you. Pray for your coworkers. Pray for your supervisors. Pray for those you serve. Ask God to give you opportunities to encourage someone, to speak life into someone who is struggling, and to represent Christ well in everything you do.

You do not have to stand behind a pulpit to make an eternal impact. God can use your desk, your work truck, your classroom, your job site, or your office as a platform for His glory.

This week, go to work with purpose. Walk in integrity. Serve with excellence. Love people well. And let the light of Jesus shine through you so brightly that others are drawn to Him.

May this be a week where your faith is not just something you believe, but something you boldly and lovingly live out every day.

Be blessed, and have an incredible week serving Jesus wherever He has placed you. ~OC

The Book Of Jude And Today’s Political Climate

Today’s a new day! 

As I have been studying the Book of Jude, here are some of my thoughts:

The Book of Jude may be one of the shortest books in the Bible, but its message feels remarkably relevant in today’s political climate. Written as a warning to believers, Jude addressed a culture filled with deception, division, and individuals who sought power for their own gain. While Jude was not writing about modern politics, many of the principles he shared can help us navigate the world we live in today.

A Warning About Deception

Jude urged believers to “contend for the faith” because certain individuals had slipped into positions of influence and were leading people away from truth. Today, we live in a world overflowing with information, opinions, and competing narratives. Politicians, media outlets, influencers, and commentators all seek to shape public opinion.

The challenge for Christians is not to blindly follow a political party, personality, or movement. Our ultimate allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ. Jude reminds us that truth matters and that believers must exercise discernment rather than simply accepting whatever aligns with their preferences.

The Pursuit of Power

One of Jude’s concerns was people who pursued their own interests rather than God’s purposes. In today’s political environment, it can sometimes seem that the pursuit of power has become more important than serving people.

Political leaders are human. Some enter public service with honorable intentions, while others may become consumed by influence, recognition, or personal agendas. Jude reminds us that God sees the heart and that positions of authority come with accountability.

As Christians, we should pray for our leaders, support what is righteous, and speak against what is unjust regardless of which side of the political aisle it comes from.

Division and Hostility

Perhaps one of the most obvious connections between Jude and our current culture is the growing spirit of division. Families are divided. Friendships are strained. Churches sometimes find themselves fractured over political disagreements.

Jude warned about those who caused divisions among people. Today, social media algorithms, political rhetoric, and constant news cycles often encourage outrage rather than understanding.

The enemy would love for believers to become so consumed with political battles that they neglect the mission of the Gospel. Christians are called to be peacemakers, not merely partisans.

Mercy in the Middle of Conflict

One of the most beautiful passages in Jude is his instruction to show mercy. Even while warning about false teaching, Jude encourages believers to reach out to others with compassion.

In our political conversations, mercy is often in short supply. It is easy to label people, dismiss them, or assume the worst about those who disagree with us. Jude challenges us to stand firmly for truth while extending grace to others.

Truth without love becomes harsh. Love without truth becomes compromise. The Gospel calls us to embrace both.

Keeping Our Eyes on Christ

The greatest lesson Jude offers for today’s political climate is that our hope is not found in Washington, political parties, elections, or government programs. Governments rise and fall. Political movements come and go. Kingdoms throughout history have appeared powerful only to disappear.

Jesus Christ remains King.

Jude concludes his letter with one of the most encouraging doxologies in Scripture, reminding believers that God is able to keep us from stumbling and present us blameless before His presence.

When political tensions rise, Christians must remember that our citizenship is first in the Kingdom of God. We should be informed citizens, engaged in our communities, and faithful in prayer, but our confidence must never rest in earthly leaders.

Final Thoughts

The Book of Jude speaks directly into a culture of confusion, deception, division, and competing voices. While political climates change from generation to generation, God’s truth remains constant.

Rather than placing our faith in politicians, we are called to place our faith in Christ. Rather than allowing politics to divide us, we are called to love one another. Rather than being consumed by fear about the future, we can trust the One who holds the future in His hands.

In a world filled with political noise, the message of Jude remains clear: stand firm in the truth, walk in mercy, and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. ~OC

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