A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the [disciples] be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed [the religious leaders]: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:34-35, 38–39, NIV 1984).
My Musings – When we proclaim and defend the Gospel, we do not stand alone. So, we do not need to resort to bullying, trickery, deceit or any such worldly tactics. Nor should we. Even though at times it seems like we are standing alone against a formidable army of enemy combatants. In spiritual “battles” like these I like to think that we stand like King Jehoshaphat and the army of Judah. “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.'” (2 Chronicles 20:15, NIV 1984).
My Advice – Therefore, “whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ… stand firm…contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” (Philippians 1:27–28, NIV 1984). For in reality, if we remain true to “the Gospel of Christ,” they are really opposing God. In the end, their opposition “will fail.”
The Brew Is A Musing 