Do Boycotts Work?

So who watched the Academy Awards?   I have to admit that I missed it but not because we were intentionally avoiding it or boycotting the Hollywood spectacular but because it just wasn't on our radar.    We are not big movie fans and really don't know the movies or the stars let alone the screen writers and directors or others that receive the awards. 

The next day I found that I was in good company as many of my Christian friends had not watched the Academy Awards either.    At any time there are a myriad of different entertainment, programs, venues, restaurants, retail outlets and places to visit. 

While we have choices, many see an opportunity to collectively boycott a product, program, service or company.   As Christians we have been both on the receiving end as well as on the offense when it comes to calling for boycotts. 

The causes may be noble but I wonder if boycotts work?   If the 'victory' is in diminished viewers or revenue than the case can be made that boycotts are effective.  At the same time, if we are more interested in winning the war than the battle, perhaps using the national media, our social media sources and our church pulpits to boycott those that disagree with the teachings of Christ and the Bible may be counterproductive. 

Jesus has an interesting thing to say about judging others perhaps it also applies to programs like the Academy Awards or boycotts for those on the 'other side'

In Matthew 7, beginning in the first verse, Jesus tells us we are not to judge "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Then after the familiar verse about the 'plank in your own eye" he has this very interesting and often thought difficult verse: 

Matthew 7:6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."

Pearls before swine....an interesting word picture at the least. 

Boycotts tend to send a signal to the troops and often its the wrong signal that we send to the opposition.  Perhaps when we love our enemies as ourselves, we provide more of an opportunity to communicate our true mission.  Using economic power may bring economic consequences but our longer term objective is not about economics. 

National Day of Prayer

The Bible calls us the Body of Christ and calls us to prayer every day.   Here in the United States, the government calls us to prayer just one day a year, The National Day of Prayer. 

There are three ways everyone in the Body of Christ can get involved this year.  This has been an opportunity for us in the United States since 1952. However the Bible has always encouraged both national as well as individual repentance.

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) 

Prayer not only brings us closer to God it brings us closer to each other.  The Body of Christ has the unique responsibility to call on God to forgive us of our sins and restore us to the Nation that was founded on His name.

#1 GO TO YOUR LOCAL CHURCH AND PRAY!

Jesus said, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”   (Mark 11:17) Think what it would be like if our churches across our cities, counties, states and the nation each became known as a house of prayer!    Talk with your pastor, make sure that there is some opportunity for your congregation to gather and pray on Thursday, May 4th.  Go with your family and friends!  Post the name of your church and any activity here!

#2 PRAY IN JESUS NAME       #PRAYINJESUSNAME

Jesus said,  “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20)   All too often, Christians are intimidated to pray in public in Jesus name. This is unfortunate as we have assurance of God’s presence and his provision when we pray in the name of Jesus.  On May 4th, use the hashtag #PrayInJesusName along with any @NationalPrayer social media tags you may be using on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest.  Let people know you are praying for the country, for our leaders, our nation and for persecuted Christians worldwide.

#3 WEAR THE CROSS

Our First Amendment gives us religious liberty including the ability to exercise our faith in public, at work and in our schools. Wear a cross on a chain, your shirt, your label or on your hat!   Wearing a Cross or Crucifix has been determined a “reasonable accommodation” for employers and other institutions.   If we don’t exercise our religious liberties, we will eventually lose them.

The National Day of Prayer was established to communicate clearly with every American the need for personal repentance and prayer.

IT’S TIME WE DEMONSTRATE THE UNITY OF THE BODY OF CHRIST BY COMING TOGETHER AND PRAYING ON AMERICA’S NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER.

Join us in helping spread the word!   Tell your church, tell your friends.  Sign up here!