Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. (Matt. 10:32)
THE DEBATE SURROUNDING Fifty Shades of Grey, released Valentine’s Day weekend 2015, was lively as movie discussion goes. While many saw no reason to boycott the movie, others did object and chose to stay home. The movie made a tremendous sum of money on its first weekend in theaters, and it was rumored plans were in the works for two more.
At the same time, Pure Flix released Old Fashioned, a Christian alternative to Fifty Shades of Grey. That movie debuted in few theaters to a limited number of viewers. But . . . there was conversation.
It’s unfortunate that there is so much immorality in movies, but at least this controversy caused some to speak up. Christian leaders and bloggers wrote about the spiritual dangers of pornography, and everyone had the opportunity to make a statement of faith by simply saying they’d skip the movie.
Jesus spoke to His disciples about what following Him looked like, what behavior His followers would demonstrate. He did not suggest we cause conflict for no good reason, but He also didn’t want us to be timid about speaking the truth just to avoid controversy. As Christians we are to claim our identity.
In North America we are rarely asked to publicly defend our faith. However, the day may come when we must. In the meantime, perhaps we should seize those opportunities, however they come, to practice now.
Resolve to speak up for Christ when opportunities arise and start a holy discourse for Him.
Hally Franz is a former high school guidance counselor turned stay-at-home mom. She enjoys being a 4-H leader, church secretary, book club member, and traveler.
