This is not a piece about Phil Robertson and the Duck Dynasty debacle with their network. I think enough has been said about that whole thing by both sides. From what I have seen, Mr. Robertson simply spoke his peace and was largely taken out of context. Big surprise. The media in this country loves to do that on both sides of the political and social aisles.

Even when there seems to be no agenda, the media gets quotes wrong or takes statements said out of context in interviews. My husband learned to avoid interviews a long time ago. He was once interviewed as a new minister in town by the local paper. What they said he said was all right, I guess, it just wasn’t anything like what he actually said. Lesson learned.

I think its kind of interesting how we, in this great country of ours, can get our backs up so easily. I’m talking to the Christians here. We immediately come out swinging when one of our own is offended or criticized. Remember the whole, dare I bring it up, Chick Fila thing?

I do believe we are called to meekness, which in no way equals weakness, but I do think we need to think before we speak or act. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread, or so the saying goes. Neither Phil Robertson, nor Chick Fila CEO, Dan Cathy, were ever in any real danger for voicing their views on Biblical principles. These are both smart men who likely knew full well what a backlash their comments would bring. They didn’t care. Whatever the truth might cost them, they spoke it anyway.

And if they are the men of God they claim to be, they have probably counted it all joy.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3

“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” 1 Peter 4:16

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:13-1 

Christians get all riled up in this country when one of our own gets their hand slapped for being so vocal. What I find confusing is how we can be so nonchalant about the Christians who are suffering real persecution around the world. Where is the outcry for them?

–In November of this year a small town near Damascus, Syria called Maaloula suffered the massacre of Christians who were left dead in the streets; buildings where they met left desecrated.

–An Iranian man who converted to Christianity has been imprisoned for ten years for passing out Christian literature in Tehran.

–Assyrian Christians who fled their town in al-Thawrah, Syria have been told by rebels if they want to come home, they must convert to Islam or be killed.

–I once listened to a Middle Eastern pastor talk about how he and his wife were held, interrogated, and persecuted for thirty days for their Christian faith.

As we get ready to celebrate Emmanuel, God with us, in just a few days, can we stop thinking of the church in America, and start looking at the church across the globe?

As we celebrate openly the coming of the King, thousands and thousands of our brothers and sisters across the globe could be killed for doing the same.

This Christmas, can we stop our grandstanding over comments and actions taken against a few wealthy believers here in America, and begin to pray for those who believe and follow Christ under terrible circumstances elsewhere? We are one body, one church. If you want to speak out against injustice, speak for them. Pray for them.

They need our voice. Phil and Dan, and others like them, have a voice of their own.