#highvoltagetat

I was on instagram late last night when I saw that Kat Von D's world renown shop, High Voltage Tattoo, posted a photo of one of their shop managers, G, and two girls wearing those trending "hail satan 666" shirts with the upside down crosses on them. As I scrolled through the comments interested in what people had to say I was surprised whomever posted the photo was commenting back at people. Majority of the comments from others were saying how wrong that is and how disappointing, how they were unfollowing the shop ect. And even though I was taken back when I saw High Voltage Tattoo messaging in reply to the comments on their photo, I was not surprised when I saw them cursing and getting all worked up about what people were saying. 

Don't get me wrong, I am by no means in line with those trendy shirts or what they believe in, but what did those other Christians accomplish by trying to defend their faith? They got nowhere. 

As followers of Christ we are called to love. What does that look like though in a situation like this? I truly believe it is to go in there without judgement and show everyone that even though you don't agree, you'll still love them anyway. So I tried it. And you can see my response was received a little better. He was cursing at all the other people flipping out over this post, but I went in with a different approach that could have a longer lasting effect.

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" -James 1:19

Don't get me wrong, I am sure as anything he was making fun of the "bible thumper", but I knew that typing it. I never call myself a bible thumper, but knew it would lighten up the conversation a bit. How much more powerful is it to love on someone rather then bash their beliefs? I think we all know as Christ followers how it feels to have opposition because of how we live. Its pretty hurtful sometimes, right? So what give us the right to tell people its not okay where they are in life when we don't even know whats going on? 

This is just a rant and I am in no way saying that we aren't called to stand up for our Lord, but this is when discernment is a powerful gift. Someone at a tattoo shop isn't going to receive a "bible track" in the same way the 75 year old librarian will not understand why we got a cross tattooed on us. God gave us a voice to speak up and live boldly, but sometimes that means not saying anything at all. The Lord can defend himself and will speak to people in His own time when they are ready to fully receive it.

I won't fail to mention that this will also give you something to talk to God about in prayer and to pray for others. "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" -Matthew 5:44 Such a powerful piece of scripture!