I have two kids who have recently been complaining about what we call “growing pains.”  Their bones ache because the kids are lengthening out—getting taller.  Unfortunately, there is nothing really that I can do to help them.  Growing pains, both physically and emotionally, happen and the only thing to be done is to grit the teeth and get through it.  It is better on the other side.

Speaking about religion to outsiders is something I am beginning to consider a “growing pain.”  So often, when I speak from the Bible, I am cut down in numerous ways and end up with my feelings bruised.  No one likes that sort of treatment.  In reaction, I have long since tried to stop talking about religion.  Why not?  I know many people who “just don’t talk about religion” with people because it always gets heated.  I have recently, once again, been hurt in this way, but I am not writing this to encourage the “keep quiet” response.  Quite the opposite.

“Oh Lord, You induced me, and I was persuaded; You are stronger than I, and have prevailed.  I am in derision daily; Everyone mocks me.  For when I spoke, I cried out; I shouted, “Violence and plunder!”  Because the word of the Lord was made to me A reproach and a derision daily.  Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in his name.”  But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not.”  Jeremiah 20:7-9

Discussions certainly reach a point where self-control should be practiced.  Not every comment should be responded to, and there is something to be said for choosing your battles wisely.  However, there are also times I think we practice the idea of “just don’t talk about religion” far too much.  There is a reason “church of Christ Christianity” is one of the least understood of today’s considered “Christianity.”  There is so much ignorance in the world about true Christianity and I fear we are the cause.  Jeremiah endured much more than mockery.  He wasted away in a mud pit until they had to wrap cloth around the ropes to pull him out of it so the rope wouldn’t tear his flesh.  We are so fortunate that all we have to fear, currently, is getting our feelings hurt from the harsh words of the world.

I consider these hurt feelings to be growing pains. We cannot let the cruelty of the world close our mouths on the truth of God’s Word.  I feel it in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones and I cannot hold it back.  I do not say that we should go around stirring up trouble, and once we have been burned by a person, we need to be able to shake the dust from our shoes and move on.  However, this whole idea that we should simply not participate in religious discussions for fear of controversy is a fear of growing pains.  The dangerous result may in fact be stunting our growth.

As much as I often find myself wishing I had just kept my mouth shut.  I will not regret getting involved.  Our job is to sow the seed liberally, not to pre-judge the soil.  I pray that through my growing pains, I will learn to handle these situations with more grace and tact, but never that I give up altogether.  I hope that neither will you.

–Tricia Reno