The Word says: “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:13-15)
Doing the right things for the right reasons is not always a simple or easy thing. I recall the time that at the young age of 32, I had been given the opportunity to become a Partner in a Firestone Franchise. I was President/CEO, and was responsible to make the business of three stores a success. This was in a town of about 50,000 people. Large enough for a good business, and small enough for everybody to know everybody.
There was a problem for the people of faith in the town where the businesses were with several of the local stores displaying pornographic magazines in full view. They did not feel it was something the children should see, and others who had no desire to do so would have to see. They requested the Magazines be put in racks that only displayed the Name of the Magazine, but not the cover. They were asking the City Council to pass an ordinance that would require this, but there was a lot of push back from folks saying this was censorship, and they were making a lot of noise about it.
Not long after I had come to take over the Business, I had been privileged to work with a Billy Graham Movie Crusade Team – teaching the Word for several different Churches that were involved, and helping bring the event to the screens. So folks found quickly that my heart was for the Lord. I was asked to join the Effort to cover the Magazines by pushing for the ordinance, making public appeals in the Churches, and in Civic Clubs. I agreed to do it. Letters to the Editor began to appear in the local Newspaper stating that if I wanted to stay in Business, I had better back away, and keep my nose out of it.
I was concerned of course, but then a Letter to the Editor appeared quoting the verses above. “Even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats, do not be frightened.”
I prayed about it, and talked with my wife, and support group about it, and felt the peace to push on for what I felt was right. This I did. But instead of it hurting my business, people began to come into the stores to buy products saying “I am here to support you.” It was amazing to see how the Lord touched hearts to bless us. We looked to Him as Lord, put it all in His hands, and did what we felt was the right thing to do for the right reasons. The Ordinance was passed. We were mightily blessed. The Community came back together.
May you be richly blessed with perfect health, and the divine wealth of favor from the Lord in all things, God’s Beloveds. May you pray each day for the Lord to be Lord in your life. May there be no fear. May you know clearly the reason for the hope you have in Christ Jesus that will lead you to do the right things for the right reasons.
You are greatly Loved, precious child of God.
Poppa B.