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<p>Are You Going Rogue?<br>
Jonathan
Falwell</p>
<p>Sarah Palin’s much touted new book “Going Rogue” hit
the shelves this week with much hoopla, including a high profile book
tour. Predictably, Mrs. Palin has been met with the standard
disparagement from many liberals because she does not fit the leftist
ideal
of the feminist, pro-choice woman.</p>
<p>While I have not yet read her book, I am intrigued by Mrs. Palin,
specifically her nonconformist character and the way in which she has
captivated the hearts of conservative America.</p>
<p>In fact, her recent reappearance in the national spotlight has
caused
me to reflect on how “going rogue” can relate to the church and
Christians today.</p>
<p>You know, as Christians, we have a tried-and-true roadmap for life
in
the Bible, the ultimate truth that is the Word of God. We should
never even consider going rogue in terms of countering or contradicting
any
part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.</p>
<p>However, in terms of what our culture has defined for people in this
modern age, we should certainly be counteracting those policies.
Society promotes concepts of: nebulous and changing truth; situational
ethics; diversity of faith; sexual experimentation; and an often
callous
disregard for human life. </p>
<p>In response we, as followers of the living Christ, should be: living
holy lives; promoting the never-changing truth and salvation of God’s
Word; serving as vocal ambassadors of and apologists for Jesus Christ
within the culture that rejects Him.</p>
<p>In effect, living a life of consistent Christian character means
that
we are essentially going rogue against the popular notions of
compromise
and convenience. Developing righteous character, which means often
walking that lonely path least traveled, should be our first priority
for
the sake of championing the Gospel.</p>
<p>Longtime Falwell friend J.C. Watts once stated, “Character is
doing the right thing when nobody’s looking. There are too many
people who think that the only thing that’s right is to get by, and
the only thing that’s wrong is to get caught.”</p>
<p>Such policies should never invade the church, nor should they infect
our personal lives. Our churches must be about the business of
training and raising up people of assured and assertive faith.</p>
<p>One of the first columns I wrote following my father’s death in
May 2007 was titled, “Are You Controversial?” I noted how
Dad had lived his life in near continual controversy largely because he
lived with what has been described as audacious faith. As a result,
God blessed Dad in immeasurable ways and his legacy continues in
amazing
ways today through the worldwide outreaches of Thomas Road Baptist
Church
and Liberty University.</p>
<p>Of course, when we are living lives of positive, fruitful faith that
the world sees as foolhardy we are going to face criticism and attacks
from
those who oppose the Gospel. That’s frequently the price of
going rogue.</p>
<p>Just ask Sarah Palin. Just ask any Christian living a bold
faith.</p>
<p>Let’s close by looking at Paul and Silas. I love to think
of these two men sitting in the stocks of a dark jail after being
beaten
simply for preaching Christ and healing a demon-possessed girl. And
in that horrible situation, the Bible tells us “they were praying and
singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25). Their love for Jesus Christ
could not be tempted or compromised. As such, through a mighty
miracle of God, they were able to see their jailer and his family call
on
Jesus to be their Savior.</p>
<p>Do you want to live a life of silent faith with no controversy and
little opportunity for great victories? Then don’t even think
about “going rogue.”</p>
<p>But if you’re looking for the adventure and excitement of seeing
what Jesus Christ can accomplish through your faith in Him, throw
caution
and hesitation to the wind and make “going rogue” for God a way
of life.</p>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">
</pre>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">--
"A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined,
but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to
maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt
to abuse them, which would include their own government."
--George Washington</pre>
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