Distractions

So, today in church I learned that the peace sign is a cross with broken arms - symbolizing peace without Jesus. This, of course, is bad.

There are some people, like me, who learn this, and then tell their friends (and various people following their blogs) so that they can then make an informed decision about whether or not to have that symbol in their lives. There are others who would hear the information as a call to action, and then lead a long, grueling, and potentially ineffective crusade against companies that manufacture and sell peace signs.

The latter, to me, is a distraction. Instead of just spreading the word to friends, family, and coworkers, who would then (hopefully) take the information to heart and tell people they know, a person who started the crusade would be wasting time, resources, and energy on a pointless task. Thus being distracted from using their energy on another calling.

I think the peace signs are harmless if people don't know this meaning. However, that doesn't mean we can't speak up about it. I think the important thing is to get the information out there, rather than holding it inside of ourselves. People will make their own choices (for good or bad) but we have to do all we can to tell them the truth, and pray that God will move in their hearts. 

It seems to me that a crusade against peace signs would just have many non-believers shaking their heads and moving farther and farther away from coming to God. Our behavior matters. How we handle situations matters. That doesn't mean we can't take this kind of action if God moves us, but I think we should start in our own lives first. With the convenience of social media and blogging sites, Christians can reach lots of people with just one status or post.

So, if you come across a situation like that, and you feel that you need to speak up, pray about it. Seek God about how you should handle it so that you aren't wasting time or energy on something that isn't on His agenda. Remember that God moves in His time, not ours.

Be wary of distractions.
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"Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen" (2 Peter 3:17-18).