There is an interesting phenomenon occurring in many contemporary media productions. Underrepresented minorities are increasingly being portrayed in positions of authority and importance. From women presidents to minority professionals represented as CEOs of major corporations, it is a welcome change and creates positive role models for many disenfranchised groups. However, this change is frequently accompanied with whites and Christians being portrayed as oppressive, bigoted and misogynistic. When I pointed out this trend to a colleague, he cynically sniffed, “It’s payback for all these years those two groups have oppressed others.”
Isn’t it possible to portray formerly disenfranchised groups in positive role models and not demonize other groups? In this current environment, it seems unlikely. Whether it is deserved or not, it is still harassment.
The history of the world is riddled with examples of different groups of people oppressing others and being oppressed. The current climate that targets Christians has been repeated many times since Jesus Christ walked the earth. What should the response of Christians be to this continued harassment?
Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word.
Psalms 119:161 (NLT)
Whom do we fear? Powerful people do control much of what we see, read, and hear. Whether it is through social media or manipulating data through artificial intelligence. Do we tremble at the power and influence that they may wield in our lives? Do we surrender to these dark forces or is there a better answer?
In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?
Psalms 118:5-6 (NLT)
The verses from these two Psalms were written when the Jews returned to Jerusalem after seventy years of exile in Babylon. They were defeated and defenseless, re-entering a city with broken walls, a destroyed temple, and surrounded by former enemies who continually harassed them. Their situation was dire. Yet, they remained steadfast and turned to the only source of comfort that had sustained them since the beginning of time. They remembered the promises of God, how He led them out of captivity from the Egyptians, the Philistines, and the Babylonians. They reoriented their priorities. They only had to fear God, not man! With God on their side, who can be against them?
The world will continue to change but harassment of Christians will always remain. Our Lord Jesus Christ warned us of this when He walked the earth. Like the Jews who clung to the promises of God, we must cling to the promises of Jesus Christ who said He would never leave nor forsake us.
Amen!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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