By: G. J. Fortier

Bet I have your complete attention now!

Have you ever just watched women who wear high heels as they walked? Okay, I know that it's a “loaded” question … and I'm quite sure that you've done this very thing on many occasions (and frankly, if you're a man and you said that you haven't, well …). Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to watch women walking—in high heels or otherwise—in a respectful way. After all, when a woman knows how to walk in high heels, it's can be an exercise in poise and grace that's pleasurable to witness.

Okay, that was a rationalization. Let's face it, high heels were invented—probably by a man—to accentuate the breasts and buttocks (duh). We, Christian men, cannot avoid this in our everyday lives which is why we must be eternally conscious of our respectful example. Having said that, the women who have mastered this skill—walking in high heels that is—have done so primarily because they've practiced at it. Now, I've never even tried on high heels (except my mom's when I was six … AND ONLY THEN), but it can't be an easy thing to do right. And there's plenty of evidence of that very fact. Just watch the women who don't have the necessary skills try to pull it off. It can be hilarious!

So, what has this got to do with anything (besides the obvious)? I'm so glad that you asked.

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:2-3 (NIV)

Sound familiar?

We live in a world that's nearly out of control. The country that I grew up in is barely recognizable and the biggest problem that I can see is that there is a complete lack of respect for authority. Or, maybe it's simply a lack of respect all together. We've all heard the stories of how free speech is being suppressed, especially the free speech of conservative Christians. Some of us may have even experienced this. The so-called “democratic socialists”—a.k.a. “progressives”, “communists”, “Marxists”, “fascists”, etc.—have created the environment that's referred to in 2 Timothy 4:3. Oh, they'll tell you that you can say whatever you like … so long as they agree with you. But no dissension what-so-ever is tolerated. This can be seen anywhere you look in the “mainstream media”. And it becomes an almost funny thing to behold when they turn on each other. When the “left” finds one of their own who has so much as given a compliment to or offered up a defense for anyone who this mob disagrees with.

So, what can we do about this? See the above scripture and then read …

Remind the people (our neighbors) to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. Titus 3:1-2 (NIV)

We, Christians must be not only ready to share the Word with those who are willing to listen;

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because they are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. Titus 3:9-10 (NIV)

But we must also be smart about it. We shouldn't argue and be ready to “get in people's faces”. We should always be ready to share the Word in a humble, respectful and loving way. If someone wants to listen, great! If they don't, the least that you have done is either plant a seed, or maybe watered one that someone else planted. Either way, you've done your job. The other part of the equation is that we need to be in the Word daily. And I don't mean that we need to read our daily devotional and check it off the “to do” list. We need to study the Word, asking the Holy Spirit to clarify its meaning so we can call upon it when the situation warrants. I don't know about you, but I amaze myself when I'm having a conversation and a verse just pops into my head that I may not remember ever reading, even though I've read the Bible through. That, my friends, is the Holy Spirit speaking through me.

And that's another thing. We aren't alone in this command. We Christians have within us the Spirit of the Lord God Himself!

So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Everywhere we go, He is right there with us. Whether we're in the mall, people (in high heels) watching, or at Bible study witnessing to someone who's “coming up” behind us, the Holy Spirit of God is within us, teaching us, coaching us, and sometimes speaking through us. We have nothing to fear by being obedient to the Great Commission because we don't call ourselves righteous, He does!

Here's the bottom line; we have to be ready. We have to practice, just like that woman—maybe your wife, maybe your sister, maybe even your mom—in the high heels. We have to get into the Word and, more than that, we have to be in fellowship with not only the Holy Spirit, but with other brothers and sisters in Christ who are ready and willing to help us with our understanding of scripture. Remember, we were never meant to do this alone … and we never have to.

Today is the day. Now is the time. The battle is on!

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

G. J. Fortier is a member of Ironmen Ministries and First Baptist Church, Centerville, GA. Look for his novels on Amazon on Kindle and paperback. Or visit his website at www.GerardFortier.com