Hebrews 11:33-34 '[It was faith people] who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.' (NIV)
Faith people are dangerous people! They are not people who mirror the status quo: they challenge the way things are and point the way to something better, the Kingdom of God. Sometimes, they are sandpaper that disturbs a complacent world. William & Catherine Booth defied religious convention and brought relief to millions suffering in poverty. They challenged the powers of respectable society.
William Wilberforce, the famed English politician, worked for over a generation to overthrow the practice of slavery in the British Isles. He challenged the powers of trade and commerce that lived off the sweat and suffering of the slaves.
Martin Luther nailed 95 statements to the door of a city church one October morning. His statements called for massive reform of the Catholic Church. He was ex-communicated by the pope and then called to appear before a council of princes. Facing possible death, he ended his defence with this classic statement: 'I cannot and I will not take back anything. My conscience is bound by the Word of God. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen.' He challenged the powers of dead religion -- and changed not just the church, but also the world. Faith people are dangerous people. What 'damage' can you do to the Kingdom of darkness today?
Prayer: 'Lord, help me to be dangerous to the ways of this world. Help me to stand up to the pressures of conformity and complacency. Help me, even today, to do some damage to the Kingdom of darkness, by walking in your light.'
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