Stand Firm

I, along with many around the world, was shocked by the 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony in Paris. Being a lover of arts and culture, I fully expected a Parisian opening ceremony to be nothing less than grand. Disappointment and sadness were not emotions I have typically experienced when I have followed the Olympic Games in years past.

While the IOC and Paris organizers have made statements to the contrary, NBC originally reported that da Vinci’s “Last Supper” was being depicted by a group of men scantily clad in flamboyant women’s clothing. Another character, identified as Bacchus (or Dionysus in Greek mythology), was also seen almost completely nude, save for a vine “loincloth” that did little to hide the male actor’s anatomy. This is likely why the character was not shown on NBC during the live event. American television does not allow for nudity on mainstream TV with families watching. Unfortunately, this is actually the norm in much, if not all, of Europe. 

As outrage and sadness have been triggered by the possible blasphemous act, I want to join with others to express my heart. The fact is, blasphemy or not, that sin and debauchery were being celebrated on a global level. As a conservative Christian, this troubles me deeply. Some may call my views “uneducated” or “uncultured.” That said, I can only point you to Christ, who is my example.

He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. (Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Christ came to bring peace. But He also brought a sword. He knew in 33 AD that His sacrifice would cause some division. His purpose was to bring salvation to the Jewish people, but He was largely rejected by the religious leaders, not because of their devotion to God, but because of their own sin and “idols” in their hearts. Thankfully, God allowed the message of His Son to be shared among non-Jewish people, and the Church was born.

Persecution of the Church is nothing new. Sin like we have witnessed on a global stage many times has existed always. It was that same spirit of wickedness that killed Christians in the early Church. We, as Christians, must decide how to respond when we must face the darkness head-on. This is where we are blessed to have the Bible as reference. 

You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too. (1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

The Corinthian church was divided about whether or not to eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Obviously, living like Christ in a pagan society had challenges that resonate with us today. Paul explicitly states that these idols are actually demons that are being worshipped. Christians should never have any part in worship of anything besides God. This is a New Testament teaching for those who would argue that we no longer live under the law. He goes on to explain that this is for our own good and the benefit of others. 

I believe the American church has been lulled to sleep over the years in our comfortable lives. We are still free to worship and live in a relatively modest society. It is rare for us (especially in the buckle of the Bible Belt where I call home) to encounter demonic activity head-on. We sit in our air-conditioned cushioned pews on Sunday and consider this enough, using verses like Philippians 2:12 (work out your own salvation) to justify our reasoning for why people live in sin. We have been told to tolerate by society, but God calls us to boldness.

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.” (Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬, ‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” (Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. (Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

We have been commissioned by Jesus Himself to share the Gospel. To represent Him to the world. How well are we doing it? It’s easy to be comfortable and preach grace. Do we call out sin in a loving way? Remember, the same Jesus that laid down His life for our sins cleansed the temple with a hand-made whip as He drove out those who would take advantage of God’s people and turn His Father’s House into “den of thieves.” 

But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. (Romans‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Believe me, I do not enjoy conflict. I like living easily. I want everyone to get along. And I know that it’s God’s desire that none perish. Hell was created for Satan and his followers. It was never intended to be the eternal punishment for sinners. That said, I am urged by Holy Spirit to call on the Church to rise up and stand firm. The world needs a way to escape the torment of hell. 

Jesus is the Savior we desperately need. I live for Him because I love Him. If I must live despised and rejected, just as He was, I count it my greatest joy and honor. My glory goes to Him who has done so much for me. Like Paul, I can’t boast in myself, because I’m just a sinner living saved by the grace of God through the sacrifice of Jesus.

Church, now, more than ever, we must stand firm for the truth of God and His Word. As for the darkness exhibited at the opening ceremony, I can only say: this little light of mine- I’m gonna let it shine. 

© 2024 Jill Cook. All rights reserved.