Martyr in the Making

This story is, of course, most troubling. I think those of us who live in the West, in a nation founded on principles that include Freedom of Religion, cannot fathom the decisions being made by the Afghanistan government. It seems odd, archaic, brutal...And if you ask me, our government is the possibly most clueless among us: Why the heck did they bother to have Condi Rice make the call? Look, I have a lot of respect for her -- I think she's smart, capable, etc. But these are still very patriarichal governments -- did we really think that a WOMAN calling and saying "Please change your entire concept of religious truth so this guy can live" was going to work? Or maybe they knew they could do nothing to save Abdul Rahman, and they were just trying to put forth a show of concern/action so they can go down in history as saying that they did so.

Abdul Rahman, I'm certain, knew what his fate would be when he went public about his Christian faith. His love for the Lord is such that he is willing to lay down his life to make a statemetn about Christianity in a very anti-Christian nation.

Where does that leave the rest of us? We could "storm" the Afghani government with a flurry of letters, send Christian leaders to bef for Mr. Rahman's life, etc., etc., etc. -- would it make any difference? Is it wrong to stand by without trying because we expect to fail? Certainly we can pray that Mr. Rahman's life be spared, or if not, that he will die well and give glory to God in the process. Perhaps we should also look to his example and look for ways to lay down our lives for our Lord and Savior?

It's harder here in the U.S., where you can proclaim your Christian face and suffer very little persecution. Maybe a snide comment here, an insult there. Maybe so-and-so won't invite you to a party or your neighbors will blare loud music with obscene lyrics at 2 a.m. just to tick you off or some punk will deface the pro-life bumper sticker on your car...but you're gonna be free to practice your faith, state what you believe, and live to a ripe old age, God willing.

Funny, isn't it, that many times, I have the opportunity to state my belief in God, and I just keep quiet. I'm not willing to suffer even the slightest "persecution" most of the time.

I guess I have some thinking and prayer to do on that score.

--Sparki