Much is being made, at least in the press, of the teacher in Sudan who let her class of seven-year-old students nickname a teddy bear Muhammad. Today there were protests calling for the teacher's death. If my memory serves me, there were similar protests a couple of years ago around some cartoons of Muhammad. As one who longs to see the kingdom of God come among all Muslims, this kind of situation always bothers me. Let me explain why.
My greatest concern is that we in the US church will allow the press coverage to influence our thoughts toward all Muslims. This concern is based on experience. When the cartoon saga happened a couple of years ago I was on my way to Pakistan. There had been a catastrophic earthquake and I was preparing to take a couple of teams for relief work. As I recruited team members, I could not help but sense the fear that pervaded most of the people I talked with. I remember a few folks even being quite hostile, questioning why I would want to go and help "those terrorists." I kid you not, I actually had one older man use those very words. Even now I am sensing a similar situation. I have already overheard comments along the lines of, "Those Muslims are crazy."
Fear is one of the greatest tools in our enemy's arsenal. Fear makes it impossible for us to love others (1 John 4:18). Fear keeps us from being willing to go and help those whohate us or do not understand us. Fear keeps us from being willing to lay down our lives for others. Fear is selfishness. Love is selflessness. We must not walk in fear. We must not be influenced by fear. We must be people of love.
My heart goes out to the teacher. I would assume that if she had it to do all over again she would have never brought the teddy bear to class. I hope and pray that she makes it back home safe and sound.
My heart breaks for Muslims. Every time something like this happens, the enemy does all he can do to increase our level of fear. If we are afraid, we will not go to the Muslim world and share the love of Jesus. We will stay right here at home, build defensive walls and pray for Jesus to protect us. Yet, I am not so sure those are the kind of prayers that will be answered. I am not so sure that this spirit of prayer can be reconciled with the words of Jesus:
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28
Friends, do not be afraid. Do not be influenced by the press. Do not allow a spirit of fear to rule your life. Instead, walk in love. Love those who claim to be your enemies. Love those who are different. Love them by going to them and being Jesus to them. Love them by laying down your life for them. This is what it means to live and walk in the kingdom of God.
By the way, our two trips to Pakistan in 2006 were amazing. We were able to help a village area in Pakistani Kashmir where there had been no witness of the gospel in more than fifty years. The village leader who helped us is now a follower of Jesus. Where would he be if we had not overcome our fear? How many people like him are there in Sudan? Are you the one to go and love them?
Until ALL Have Heard,
Eric
By the way, here is a link to a story I wrote in 2006 about this spirit of fear.
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