Are You in Danger?

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your

 good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven

(Matthew 5:16)

The horror that erupted in the halls of Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, shocked and saddened our nation, and brought us face-to-face once again with the reality that evil forces are at work among us.  That occurred over two decades ago, and since then there have been many such happenings around the world in which Christians are sought out and murdered for their beliefs.

It is hard to fathom that this could be happening even in our own country, but eye witness accounts of the slaying of one particular student at Columbine High leaves little room for doubt that it is true.

Rachel Scott, a seventeen year old student, was among the victims killed in the terrorist attack by two students who, armed with more than thirty homemade explosives, two sawed-off shotguns, a semi automatic rifle and a semiautomatic handgun, stormed the halls and classrooms, killing thirteen people and injuring a number of others.

Reports of the carnage left in their wake before they killed themselves were even more chilling with the discovery of a diary that revealed their attack, in planning for over a year, was intended to be of an even greater magnitude, with 300 or more dead and the school blown up.

In the days that followed this horrific event, many acts of bravery and self-sacrifice were recounted by those who survived the ordeal. Each one brought a measure of comfort to those whose loved ones perished as well as those of us who watched from afar.  Of all these, perhaps there was none more poignant than the account of Rachel Scott.

From all accounts, Rachel was an attractive, vivacious junior who loved life and lived it to the fullest.  She was outgoing and friendly and well-liked by fellow students and facility alike.  She loved acting and was looking forward to a career in the theater.

But there was something even more noteworthy about Rachel.  She was characterized by her family, friends, fellow students, faculty and pastor as a born again Christian who was never hesitant to tell others about her relationship with Christ.  The accuracy of those reports was evidenced by the account of her death as recounted by her best friend who was with her during the attack.

It seems that when the shooting began, Rachel and her friend hid under a desk.  As they crouched there, arms around each other, one of the attackers approached, pointed a gun at Rachel’s head and asked, “Do you believe in Christ?”  Without hesitation, Rachel stood up and affirmed that she did.  Immediately, without seeming remorse, the trigger was pulled and Rachel fell to the floor dead.

In the days that followed, many questions and much soul-searching took place because of this horrific event which the press fitly dubbed, “America’s wake up call.”  But there is one particular question which we as believers need to ask ourselves in view of Rachel Scott’s example:
“If someone who knows me were looking for Christians to kill, would I be in danger?”

Obviously, for Rachel Scott the answer was “yes.”  Otherwise, why was she singled out, questioned about her belief in Christ, and executed?

It may be unlikely that any of us will be called on to die for our faith, but the question is still pertinent and bears asking ourselves.  While God may not allow us to be martyred, His Word makes it clear that we are expected to live a life of daily self-denial and devotion. In that way, He can work through us to reach those who do not yet know Him.

Do not be afraid to speak convictions that you feel;
the Lord may want to use your words our sin-sick world to heal.
He may be searching for a voice to reach a straying one;
to give sweet pardon and release; forgiveness through His Son.
He may have placed you where you are with just that task in mind,
that someone whom you may not know, through you salvation finds.
Whom will He use if you are still? Whose voice His truth will speak?
Will you be used today, or another must He seek? 
Lord, take my mouth and make it Yours; with me Your wisdom fill, 
that I will know what I should say, and when I should be still. 
And may the life I live each day bring honor to Your Name. 
Help me be Your witness true, and never be ashamed.

Glenda Collins Inman