From one Christian to the next.

Being an outspoken and expressive Christian in today's culture can be a very difficult yet fruitful reality. In a society of constant acceptance and recognition, it seems that anything and everything is being accepted other than Christians. If anything, society has come to label Christians as naive, ignorant, foolish people. But why should we be surprised? Jesus said it would happen.

We live a culture that is continuously taking the plunge further and further into the depths of darkness. As we witness tragedy after tragedy, killing after killing, murder after murder, I begin to wonder: When will it ever stop? As Christians in this called generation we shouldn't view the massive amounts of evil as lethal, but as an opportunity. An opportunity to shine, to be a light in the darkness of this world. Below are 12 ways that as Christians, we can flourish and thrive in this current culture.

1. Rejoice In persecution.

"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." ~ 1 Peter 4:16

2. Share the Gospel with excitement.

"Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.” ~ Psalms 96:3

3. Never compromise your faith.

"I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. ~Galatians 1:6-7

4. Live In boldness.

"The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus." ~Acts 4:13

5. Love unconditionally.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" ~Matthew 22:37-39

6. Faith + Prayer = Results.

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." ~Mark 11:23

7. Be a light.

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." ~Matthew 5:13-16

8. Give with a grateful heart.

"Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to." ~ Deuteronomy 15:10

9. Willingness is key.

"For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have." ~ 2 Corinthians 8:12

10. Be joyful.

"A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken." ~ Proverbs 15:13

11. Live in displayed hope.

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." ~ Hebrews 11.1

12. Be kind.

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you" ~ Ephesians 4:32

As you continue to push throughout your spiritual walk and throughout life in general, I encourage you to never give in, never back down, and never ever give up. I also encourage you that as you begin to apply these assets to your life do it with mindfulness. Do it with thankfulness. And never ever stop placing the Lord first. May the Lord bless you all! Have a wonderful week and God Bless!

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy."

~ Francis of Assisi