Live the Life

A few days ago my family and I visited a Christian bookstore in a neighboring city. There are no Christian bookstores or libraries where we live. So, when we visit a larger city we usually stop by one or two. While looking at the various sections throughout the store, I noticed one called, “Christian Living.” It was a fairly large section with many books, covering a variety of subjects. However, it wasn’t what was in this section that caught my attention but, what was missing.

There must have been hundreds of books by different “Christian” authors, pastors and evangelists. From the floor to the ceiling every area concerning “Christian Living” was covered; finances, health, prayer, personal care; even “Biblical” dieting and exercise. Yet, out of all these books about “Christian Life,” there was not a single Bible (unless you consider the “Message Bible” a Bible). Sadly, the Bibles were actually located towards the rear of the store, and were somewhat hard to find. The clerk however, was able to point me in the right direction.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not against books written by Christian authors in any way. I read many commentaries, and other books on subjects like; Biblical history, prophecy, cults, and government written by Christian authors. However, I do not consider these books to be final authorities when it comes to matters of life and faith. Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer the Bible concerning those issues. And, I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve been given books to read that will “change my life.” This isn’t to say that there aren’t any books, which haven’t greatly affected my life as a believer. In fact, there are two; “Foxe’s Book of Martyrs” by John Foxe and “Tortured for Christ” by Richard Wurmbrand. Yet, I don’t consider these books final authorities either. Nor, do I consider them to be equated with Scripture.

Sometime ago, I met two wonderful brothers in the faith from China. In addition to being blessed, speaking with them was truly encouraging and eye-opening. During our conversation I asked one of them, “What is the difference between Christianity here in America and Christianity in China?” Without hesitation he responded, “Here in America, you have too many books. You have books telling you how to live, how to eat, how to pray, and how to get rich. In China we only have the Bible and the Holy Spirit. And sometimes it’s only a page or two. But here, you have many books and many holy spirits.” “What do mean…, many holy spirits?” I asked him. He said, “In China when we have a need, (like healing or even a miracle), we seek G-d. It is hard for us to go out and find a book telling us how to seek G-d; we use the Bible and the Holy Spirit for that. It doesn’t seem that way here in America.” “Simple but effective,” I thought to myself.

During our conversation we covered many subjects, concerning the lives of believers in China and America. I eventually asked him if they ever feared the persecution of the Secret Police; having their Churches raided or being put in jail. He said, “Well, that’s life in China.” I then asked him, “What do you pray for when you pray for believers in America?” “Persecution,” he said. “Persecution?” I asked. “Yes, persecution. That’s the only way the Body of Christ will grow and flourish.” He said. “In China, the Body of Christ grows and grows, but it seems that here in America, it does not. So, we pray for persecution.” “What will happen when those prayers are answered? What will become of many of us here in America? How many will be left standing in the faith?” I thought to myself.

Many in the United States (including me) do not truly understand what it is to be persecuted. Yet, many in persecuted countries like China willingly give up their lives daily for the cause of Messiah. There is only one book for them to read concerning persecution; the Bible. And only One Spirit to rely upon for strength; the Holy Spirit. And all they ask for is prayer. Please pray for the Persecuted Church. Live the life of a believer and pray.

“Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body” – Hebrews 13:3.

Shalom.