The Christmas season has turned into some Christians’ best opportunity to whine that we’re being treated exactly the way Jesus says we would.

It’s as if we’ve been given some license to get in others’ faces just because they don’t agree with us.  Yes, it’s sad the word “Christmas” gets intentionally left off store signs and advertisements.  It’s sad schools have “Holiday” parties and concerts.  Yes, our culture has lost reverence for the real meaning of the season.   But why get mad at the world for acting like the world?

“But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.”  1 Corinthians 2:14

How should we respond to all this?  Here are a few verses to think about in the next five weeks:

“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”  2 Timothy 3:12

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:10-12

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

“For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”  Philippians 1:29

This is probably the most convicting verse on the topic of being wronged.  The attitude is incredible and blows me away every time I read it:

“For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.”  Hebrews 10:34

Each time you and I feel slighted for our faith this season, we need to find a way to shine as lights in this dark world by absorbing the hurt and showing why Christ causes us to think and act differently. 

“so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world”  Philippians 2:15

Use times of disagreement with our world to be a generous, gracious testimony.  Ask the Lord for wisdom when you get into a problem situation.  He’ll give you the right answer at the right time.  Let’s leave the anger and whining to others.

Remember, you can’t spell “Happy Winter Festival” without w-h-i-n-e-y.

Oh, and Merry Christmas!