This morning, my church hosted a couple from Sudan who had previously been imprisoned and tortured for betraying the Saudi Arabian government by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others in their country. It was bizarre to listen to a couple so joyful who had been through some of the worst, barbaric treatment only to stand in front of a comfortable, predominantly middle to upper class congregation to try to convey what it is truly like to be persecuted for one's faith. When the interviewer asked, "In your opinion, what is the greatest downfall of the American church?" He replied, "Taking your freedom for granted." At this point, I teared up and was overwhelmed with grief. It's true.
We're so comfy here. It's a tremendous blessing. It's also cause for complacency. I wonder what we would accomplish if we were oppressed or persecuted the same as other Christians in Islamic countries. What would we do without taking our freedom for granted?
In many ways, I hope we never find out. In others, I wish that we would.
Posted by Portia at January 9, 2006 12:30 AM | TrackBackI've never taken my political or religious freedom for granted.
I was blessed to have the chance to defend America overseas, and saw firsthand how the rest of the world really gets along.
Posted by: MacStansbury at January 9, 2006 12:50 PM
