Recently I took a trip out of state
to attend the funeral of a longtime ministerial colleague. This region is known
for its rice farming and duck hunting. So it was appropriate that one evening I
ended up eating at a local restaurant with an obvious outdoorsman theme. The
walls were lined with stuffed hunting trophies – not only numerous typical deer
heads, but also fowl, squirrel, and practically any other creature you might
imagine that is the frequent target of hunters. The name of the establishment
was Open Season, referring to the period of time when it is legal to hunt or
fish. That term is also sometimes used as a slang expression to refer to a time
when someone or something is vulnerable to unrestricted criticism or attack.
At times it can seem like it is
open season on followers of Jesus, especially those who are trying to
faithfully uphold Christian values and who still view God’s Word as being the
uniquely reliable and authoritative revelation of truth. In a day when it seems
that culture is open to almost any ideas as being valid, even the most
outrageous or unorthodox views and practices, the one worldview that doesn’t
seem to be tolerated is that of the Christian who stands for the eternal truths
of scripture. Such believers are often targets of hatred, lies, accusations of
being extremists, physical attacks, and other various degrees of what could be
called persecution.
This should
not surprise us. This is not a phenomenon unique to our day and time. In a
sense, it has always been open season on faithful followers of the Lord. Jesus
warned His disciples that this would be the case. “If the world hates you, you
know that it hated Me before it hated you…If they persecuted Me, they will also
persecute you” (John 15:18,20). “They will put you out of the synagogues; yes,
the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God
service” (John 16:2). And don’t forget that the last of those well-known
“Beatitudes” Jesus declared in His Sermon on the Mount dealt with this subject:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is
the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). The Apostle Paul added his own
definitive declaration: “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus
will suffer persecution” (II Timothy 3:12). Therefore let’s not think of it as
being unusual or strange when we face such opposition or attacks. It comes with
the territory of being a follower of Jesus.
However, as
we experience these things, let’s be careful that we don’t turn around and
declare open season on others. As we are being attacked, let’s not lower
ourselves to the same level as those who are lashing out at us. It can be
tempting to “return fire” and treat others in a similar fashion as to how we
have been treated. We can consider it open season on liberal politicians,
biased media, hostile social activists, ungodly social media trollers, and
others who misrepresent us or attack us. Don’t get me wrong, we need to stand
up for truth, point out error, and expose those with faulty views and
antagonistic motives. Nevertheless, we need to avoid taking on the role of an
avenger. “Repay no one evil for evil” (Romans 8:17). “Love your enemies, bless
those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who
spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in
heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45).
Just because
others may consider it to be open season on Christians, it doesn’t mean we
should consider it to be open season on them. Fire back, but with love, truth,
and goodness.
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