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Thursday, August 19, 2010

My Best Defense

In two weeks I will be embarking on an adventure that both thrills and terrifies me.  After being away from the academic arena for 30 years, I am returning to school to pursue my PhD.  While I am absolutely confident that God has led me each step of the way, I have been trying to come to terms with how very different that environment will be from the ministry I have thoroughly loved for three plus decades. The question I've pondered is, how will I radiate the heart of Christ and stand unapologetically for the truths of my faith, in a culture that at the very least, looks askance at people like me. 

This morning I read something intriguing about the early church that greatly encouraged me.  In his book, All the Saints Adore Thee, Professor Bruce Shelley notes that when believers were ignored, hated, persecuted and maligned in the first three centuries, they had only one defense -- the way they lived their daily lives.  Simply put, when others judged and condemned them for the absurdity of their faith, they held up the purity, simplicity and beauty of their own lives as evidence that the charges were ill-founded.  Shelly says that this was the most effective defense, because the pagan population simply could not deny it.

As I thought about this, I realized that growing up in a country that guarantees me the right to practice my religion has not offered much opportunity for this kind of defense.  Instead of having only my own life to testify of the validity of my faith, I and multitudes of other Christ-followers have held up our inalienable rights as citizens of a free country, asking only that we be given the fundamental respect our constitution demands.  The problem though, is that while this may work as a legal defense, it does nothing to impact the hearts of those who watch us from afar.  It may, in fact, drive the wedge of disdain even deeper.

For this reason I am excited about my new venture, albeit with a bit of fear and trepidation.  I realize that within the hallowed realms of academia, that the most effective defense of my faith, indeed, the most powerful promotion of my beloved Redeemer, will be how I live out my life in front of the very people who may reject me for it.

This reality brings me a great deal of peace.  In truth, though all the circumstances of my life are about to undergo a drastic revolution, I need only cling to the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ, as I have sought to do for decades now.  And by His grace, this will be not only my best defense, but the means by which I can display the beauty of His being and perhaps draw others to Him.

The following quote from a letter written by an anonymous believer in the early second century deeply moved me along these lines, and perhaps will encourage and challenge you as well:
They love all men, and by all men are persecuted.  They are unknown, and still they are condemned; they are put to death, and yet they are brought to life.  They are poor, and yet they make many rich; they are completely destitute, and yet they enjoy complete abundance.  They are dishonored, and in their dishonor, are glorified; they are defamed, and they are vindicated.  They are reviled, and yet they bless; when they are affronted, they still pay due respect.  When they do good, they are punished as evil doers; underoing punishment, they rejoice because thy are brought to life.  They are treated by the jews as foreigners and enmies, and are hunted down by the Greeks and all the time those who hate them find it impossible to justify their enmity. (The Letter to Diognetus, as quoted in Early Christian Fathers).
If indeed I do face enmity in this new venture, may those who reject me find it impossible to justify their enmity in light of the life I live.  This is the desire of my heart and will be my prayer with each new day.

7 comments:

  1. Trisha, you have more "guts" than most. Speaking from experience, I find numerous reasons why I can not return to the acedemic arena. Foremost, my age. I am so close to retirement that the advanced degree would not benefit me financially and justify the expense. I applaud you and your willingness to persue this challenge and envy your decision to be bold! Many blessings to you and yours.

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  2. Many in that environment WILL likley think you absurd. But, you are not alone!! This beautiful quote reminded ME of the harsh reality of the lost lives in Afg. recently (one my friend)... and they are certainly not the only ones in our time... "They love all men, and by all men are persecuted. They are unknown, and still they are condemned; they are put to death, and yet they are brought to life." We all must face "death" don't we--- it is certainly His good and kind will for us all. May you honor Him as you venture out!!

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  3. Hey Tricia,
    Congratulations! I too am embarking on a doctorate this fall - DMin from George Fox. Yes, it is scary - especially after having been away from the academic stream for the past number of years, but it is also affirming and encouraging and exciting!! My first week of classes is next week and I am busy reading and polishing my preliminary thesis proposal (as well as getting my family ready to be without me for 8 days!). Blessings on you as you also prepare and plan with anticipation. I think that everyone you meet will love you as much as those of us who have already met you do. I can't imagine that you will meet with emnity...may it be so, through the Spirit of Jesus!
    Colleen

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  4. Hey Tricia: This too is Gods' plan for you. It may very well not be like 'preaching to the choir'. He has led you to it. He will lead you through it. I get a sense that 'Academia' is more open to GOD, JESUS, as well as Christians, than it has been in years. This is probably GOD's new ministry for you. My prayers are with yourself, and other Christians going back to school!!! IN HIS NAME, Jeannie

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  5. Tricia, Go for it, girl! I read an article today about a 98-yr-old woman who just got her Master's and is going back for another one. You're never too old, and your age & wisdom will count for a lot. I went back to school at age 48 for my RN and found that the Lord used me in many situations (including rescuing a classmate from aborting her baby!). It's not about the degree...it's about what/where He has called you for such a time as this. I encourage you to study, speak, write, teach, and share it all...for HIS glory :)

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  6. Can't tell you all how much your words encourage me on this crazy quest I'm on! Coleen, are you going for the Spiritual Formation degree at george Fox? I looked into that and it is great! A Dmin doesn't enable us to teach University here, which is my aim, so I couldn't do it, but it was my first choice!!!

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  7. Tricia, I am so excited for you and for all those God will put you in contact with who do not know Him, yet! I know you will be getting your PHd, but I also know you are there for a much higher calling than a degree. I am so proud of you that you would leave the comfortable world you are in and do what the Lord is calling you to do. Blessings as you go,Karen Keane

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