Outraged!

Jim Kilby • March 28, 2023

Several young friends of mine are graduating from high school soon. One of them has done so well that she'll be giving a speech during the commencement ceremony.  As it turns out, she's graduating from one of the largest public schools in our area. As she was inviting me to her commencement exercise, knowing she's such an awesome Christian, I immediately assumed her speech would mention some credit going to her Lord for her outstanding accomplishments. When I mentioned she should give Him credit, she looked at me puzzled and told me it was against the rules. As it turns out, she's also speaking at the prayer dinner the night before the graduation and she's being censored there, too! It seems she's not being allowed to mention the name of Jesus in either ceremony, no matter how much credit she feels He deserves. When I asked her why they had such rules, especially in the prayer meeting, she told me it was because someone might be offended by the name of Jesus Christ. Well, they've failed miserably because now I'm offended and I don't even go to the school! Offended? No, I'm outraged! I know we're living in post-Christian American, but I believe one of the main reasons Christians are being censored is because we're allowing ourselves to be intimidated. I'm urging my young friend to break the rules. It's a godless rule and it shouldn't stand any longer! What's the worst the "world" can do to her anyway? If they choose to make a big deal out of it, then we'll call the newspapers and make a stink there too. Are you being intimidated about speaking out for your God. Freedom of speech applies to us too friends. Speak out for your Lord! You can be certain the folks working for the other side will be speaking out for theirs!

 

"David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly..." 1 Chronicles 29:19

 

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7


 

Pastor Jim Kilby

 

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