by Emmett Smith

A recent Associated Press article, titled "Activist Camp Trains Civilly Disobedient," dealt with the efforts of environmental activists to further prevent logging in National Forests. According to the article, the week-long camp was intended to train participants in techniques of civil disobedience (including "tree sitting") designed to delay or stop the loggers.

I don't know if you've noticed, but being an "activist" is considered a highly desirable occupation among many in today's society. Just think back on how many times you've had activism presented in a favorable light in movies, books, newspapers, etc. However, today's activists have nothing on the apostles and the early church!

According to Acts 17:6, they were referred to as "These that have turned the world upside down," and Thessalonica was in an uproar due to Paul's presence there. Within their generation the gospel was preached throughout the world! And their activism changed the world, literally, for millennia.

It's unfortunate that the present-day emphasis on activism so rarely encompasses spreading the gospel of Christ. We're always being informed about so-called "gay" activists, "pro-choice" activists, etc. It seems that almost any cause is considered a noble motivation for activism ... except Christianity. And the situation is coming to a head on several fronts.

Unless you've been marooned on a desert island this past week, you're aware of the Supreme Court's recent rulings on a variety of issues. Many activists have been encouraged by the decision striking down Texas' anti-sodomy law and the one upholding race-based admissions at the University of Michigan. These are signs of our times. However, these kinds of issues are not unique to our times. The early church had to deal with these kinds of things as well (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

What we really need are Christian activists whose priorities are in order. The handful of people Jesus chose for His work almost 2000 years ago were able to turn the world upside down. His commission hasn't changed in all this time. The world still needs the gospel as badly now as it did then. What's your cause?