“And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,” Acts 17:6
“Bend over. Bring your hands in front of you, touching the floor, and put your feet behind you. Now place your head between your arms.” Instructions from the gym instructor left me hanging upside down. I felt the blood rushing to my head. After a brief stint in said position, we were allowed to stand again. Performing this exercise sends blood to the brain and clarity to the mind for better thinking – the upside of upside down.
Can there truly be an upside to upside down? At times my world turns topsy-turvy. A piece of news renders me speechless. A social media post drops my jaws. A court ruling rips my heart out. A loved one disappoints me. Nothing appears to make sense.
In the words of Thomas Paine, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” When tried, are we found to be true to the truth? Are we prone to waffle, to back pedal? The early Christians stood firm in their convictions. They were vocal and withstood beatings, imprisonment, and ostracizing, all for holding onto truth and living it. Because of firm convictions and spreading God’s words, they were accused of turning their world upside down. What they witnessed and spoke, more than swayed public opinion – it changed beliefs and eternal destinations. The Holy Spirit in and through them altered the landscape of the religious community.
Were there naysayers and blasphemers to the truth in those days? Absolutely! Vicious fighting over truth and lies continues to cycle throughout the ages. What is my response when the fight seems out of control? What part do I play? As I watch the world turn upside down, can I make a difference?
The early believers took a stand. When they managed to turn the upside down thinking to right side up, accusations flew. The same accusations fly in our faces if we plant our feet in God’s Word.
Stand firm. Respond in love. Turn your world upside down!