But I think it's useful for us in the Church to draw a distinction between what is happening at large and what's happening at home. I live and work in a region of the country where I frequently encounter men and women who look like they might be from the Middle East. Some of them are actually from parts of Africa, as it turns out. Some of them are Muslims who were born right here in America. And quite a few of the people I meet are former Muslims who are now followers of Jesus Christ. Some of those guys are among my best friends: loyal, supportive people who would give their lives for me.
Even when I meet Muslims from the Middle East who are now living in America, I find that many of them are not devout. Quite a few of them are searching, in transition, watching from a safe distance and trying to make their way in America. They often speak English with a distinct accent, but if you make the effort to listen and reach across the language barrier, they are deeply appreciative. (I refuse to smirk about their accents since English is the only language I have mastered, and the Brits find my accent strange as well.)
Here's what I have observed about people from the Middle East who live in America: they respond to kindness. Maybe it's because Muslim cultures tend to be harsh and intolerant of individuals, particularly women. Or maybe it's because they have been assured that Americans are arrogant and self-centered. Or perhaps it is simply because they've heard sensationalized tales of bloodbaths inflicted by Christians during the Crusades. But I have found that whenever I encounter people from Iran or Iraq, for example, they are deeply appreciative when they are treated with kindness and respect.
I often have the opportunity to intervene in the lives of people and families from Middle Eastern nations. Every time, I have observed profound, undying gratitude and- more often that not- a willingness to consider a meaningful alternative to Islam. I have baptized former Muslims into the Kingdom of God in our church. They are the real thing!
So when I am asked how Christians should combat the Muslim assault on American values, I have mixed emotions. Certainly our government should be strong and straightforward in dealing with the tyrants who rule many Islamic nations. And there is good reason for paying the price to ensure that our borders are secure. But when it finally comes down to the individual level where most of us live, the people of Christ should recall that "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but they are mighty."
It happened again today. I received an note from a young woman whose family emigrated here from Iran more than a decade ago. Our church had recently intervened in a personal issue to offer assistance. I had hoped for an opportunity to share my faith in Christ with the family. But it all happened during an unusually hectic time, and before I knew it, the window of opportunity had closed. In her note, she expressed her gratitude not only for our assistance, but for the kindness and respect she received from everyone she encountered here. She said she hoped to see us again. I thought, "I wish I had done more."
Then she called later in the day to ask if she could visit our worship service on Sunday. She'll be bringing her mom. I look forward to meeting her mother.
Overseas the war on terror is fought with tanks and rifles and mortars and counter insurgency strategies. But in my hometown, the spiritual warfare is waged with love, kindness, and amazing grace and Good News. So I pray for our soldiers abroad and keep trying to love my neighbors as myself.
Selah!
Learn more about Tim's new book Treasure in the Sand
at www.TreasureintheSand.org
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