Speak Up or Shut Up..Please.

I've been thinking about enemies lately. I'm really not sure why. Maybe I've been thinking about love too much. But anyway, I've been wondering if I actually have enemies. I know that there are people who annoy me. There are people that I plain just don't like. (Hushed disclaimer: this post may not sound very Christian-like.) And I'm positive there are people, near and far, who just don't like me. But what defines an enemy? Is it merely someone who is against what you believe? Or is it someone who actually acts as your antagonist? What about in wartime?

I realized that I wasn't sure if I had an enemy. It was a rather alarming discovery. If an enemy is deeper and darker than an unlikable person, I'm not sure I could point you to one. Now, is that a good thing? If I have no enemies, then I'm forced to conclude at least two reasons. 1.) I am compliant with every one's beliefs and and expectations or 2.) I've never stood tall enough for anything I believe in. I know that the first reason won't hold. I'm too stubborn or too arrogant to be compliant. And on a theological level, I'm too much of an orthodox watchdog. But then what about reason number 2? How can someone hate you if you've never displayed any true colors for them to hate you for? A spy is only attacked when he is discovered.

I'm not going to go pick a fight with the most vocal atheist on campus. I'm not going to ransack a Buddhist temple. But when was the last time I stuck my neck out and didn't flinch? When Christ said "love your enemies", the disciples could point them out. They knew just what an enemy was. When the early church heard Paul's letters read aloud: "if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink", they knew exactly what men kill them without a moment's hesitation.

The point is, they had enemies to love. I'm not sure that I know what my enemies look like. I mean, I can't see them in my life. Am I complaining? Not exactly. But I'm questioning. If I reach the age of 60 and I don't have anyone who hates me because of my convictions and my faith...then what was I doing all that time? I'm just so tired of trimming my sails and keeping my mouth shut when I'm out in the world, on campus or in houses. The problem with bricks and a cross is that I never see the sky. I never become aware that there are people out there who won't say "amen!" whenever I affirm Christ's deity. Life is too few of days and too full of trouble for weak inclinations that glow and fade. I want them to hear me burn!

Your PB from J for today: "I wonder if he is using the same wind we are using."