Prove Them Wrong

Have you ever been ridiculed for being a Christian? Has anyone ever labeled you naïve, old-fashioned, or narrow-minded for believing the Bible? How should Christians respond when unbelievers speak against our faith?

When we have the opportunity, we need to "give an answer to everyone who asks" with "gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). But not everyone will listen to a verbal argument. Many of our detractors need to see faith in action before they will consider embracing it for themselves. That's why the Bible says, "It is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men" (1 Peter 2:15). Consistent Christian living leaves critics speechless and offers compelling evidence for the truth of the gospel. Peter said to keep a clear conscience "so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander" (1 Peter 3:16). In other words, the caustic comments of unbelievers can motivate you to serve God with greater determination and zeal.

Some say, "You can't make it in business without compromising your values." Prove them wrong. Conduct your business with integrity so that your daily life will "win the respect of outsiders" (1 Thessalonians 4:12).

Some say, "There's no such thing as a happy, lasting marriage today." Prove them wrong. "Guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth" (Malachi 2:15).

Some say, "It doesn't make sense to tithe when you're already living on a shoe-string." Prove them wrong. "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops" (Proverbs 3:9).

Some say, "Christians don't have any fun." Prove them wrong! "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).

Some say, "Older people are grumpy, inflexible, and have little to contribute." Prove them wrong. Let the fruit of the Spirit flourish in your life as the years go by. Be the kind of older person who is "temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance" (Titus 2:2).

There will always be nay-sayers around who try to drag you down with their negative, faithless comments. "Moses, you can't lead those people through the Red Sea." "Joshua and Caleb, what makes you think we can conquer the land of Canaan? The people there are giants!" "Who do you think you are, David? You aren't big enough to defeat Goliath." "Nehemiah, you can't rebuild that wall. It's so flimsy, if a fox jumps on it, the rocks will tumble down." "Lord, there are more than 5,000 people here and our only food is a little boy's lunch. How is it possible to feed everyone?" "Jesus, if you're really the Son of God, then why are you hanging on a cross? Why don't you come down and save yourself?"

We must not give ground to those who mock the power and wisdom of God. Have we forgotten that with God, all things are possible? Have we forgotten that often what the world calls foolishness, God calls wisdom, and what the world calls weakness, God calls strength? If you trust in God, he will enable you to do things that faithless people call impossible. If you have enough "want to," you'll find a "way to." If your motivation is strong enough, God's supply will be big enough.

Don't succumb to the pessimistic comments of those who have no faith. Prove them wrong—and in the process, you'll demonstrate that God is always right.