When God Speaks, Do You Listen? 

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“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3.12

This story made me feel some kind of way. We live in such a contradictory time. It’s okay that American currency boasts In God We Trust or that our local newspaper prints a daily prayer. At the first sign of trouble people have no qualms about calling on the name of God. And let’s not forget what happens when one is sworn into office or when we testify in a court of law. 

Yet it seems we are not welcomed to ever mention Him outside of those few circumstances. We must be politically correct at all times lest we offend the masses. 

I get it that he was at work, however, are we supposed to pick and choose when we are Christian? 

The trooper stated that God told him specifically to  address her. Was he supposed to ignore the voice of the Lord because he was on duty? Richard Waples, the civil rights attorney involved in the case stated “When he’s engaged in the official acts of his job, especially when he’s a police officer, those kinds of stops are inherently coercive. That is not the time to be talking to people about their religion.” My question remains, when is the right time? He may have never encountered that lady again. 

I sometimes have my Bible on my desk at work and there is even one on my classroom bookshelf. From time to time a student will say “You can’t have that on your desk.” I simply explain  that I can as long as I’m not teaching from it. Most of my students know that I am a Christian and if they ask me a question about my religion, I answer truthfully. However, I do not bring it up unless they do in fear of violating somebody’s civil rights. Or offending them in our extremely sensitive environment although the Bible admonishes us not to be overly offended. 

Trooper Hamilton spoke with a local news station regarding his termination and did not feel as if he did anything wrong. “Oh well…I’m just following what the Lord told me to do and you can’t change what the Lord tells you to do. So if the Lord tells me to speak about Jesus Christ, I do.” 

What would you have done? 

10 thoughts on “When God Speaks, Do You Listen? ”

  1. This is great! I will be sharing on Facebook to open the discussion. I personally do not believe that he is being paid to share the gospel. God expects us to obey those in authority unless we are asked to do something against his commands. I immediately thought of the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 and Daniel who was forbidden to pray. The first demonstrating the expectation for us to exhibit a good work ethic, and when we are permitted to disobey authority. I Peter 2:17-20, 3:17, 4:15-17 and Romans 13:1-7 and there are more. Thanks for sharing this!

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    • Thank you! I don’t have a Facebook account or else I’d join in. That is a good point-God does expect us to obey authority. I can see where his actions blur those lines, but it still makes me wonder about a society that seems to want God when it is convenient for them. Sometimes I struggle with how and when to tell someone about Him. Tis a complicated matter in my mind. Thank you for sharing your opinion. I will be sure to check out those verses!

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      • Yes this nation is all about convenience, and will need to repent. I believe God does give us opportunities but he won’t place us in a position to dishonor him by not honoring authority. I used to have my radio in my office and listen to Christian radio while I worked, and when someone entered, I would turn it down. I too struggle however for availing myself of opportunities.

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      • I agree. I suppose we have to be strategic and smart about it. However, I am searching for more ways to share my testimony. I know I owe God that much. I am looking for more opportunities to share Christ with others.

        By the way, I love the Jonathan Edwards quote that you shared. I have actually taught one of his sermons before, “Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God” as it appeared in our American literature anthology-interestingly enough.

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      • I am too. Lately, I have been mainly sharing the gospel with my immediate family as I am given the opportunity, my son, his wife, my grandchildren, when we are in a one-on-one situation, like when they are my captive in my car!

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      • Lol, a captive audience. I simply don’t know where to begin. I feel frustrated often because some people are so opposed to hearing about God and His expectations for us. I think I will have to let my life and character do the talking. I’m a work in progress though.

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