In the Face of Tyranny

Earlier this week, I read two stories of large companies buckling in to financial or reputation-based threats from the Chinese government. I was more than mildly annoyed — I felt deeply angry. The two people these companies, the NBA and a video-game company called Activation acted against those who had simply voiced their empathy and agreement with the protesters in Hong Kong who are fighting to achieve some semblance of freedom from a government force that has claimed authority over every aspect of their life.How could the people responsible for these organizations have the audacity to care more for profit than for the human life that is very much threatened?

This same government has forced their will even over families and has more than once tried (and failed, as they will every time) to crush and eliminate the church and Christians who stand against their regime and for Jesus. As a Christian, I cannot abide any government force that lashes out against faith. As an American, I cannot abide any government that demands more power and authority than God or their people have allotted them. I am not the only person who has been moved to speak out against this cowardice. Many are angered that both of these organizations panicked when someone whose salary they paid merely acted upon their freedom to use their words.

While the “public outrage” will likely blow over soon, I will not be the person to bend in response to a tyrannical government. I will not be like those companies who have more affection for their wallets then for what is right. I have the privilege and blessing of living in a country where my faith and speech are protected. There are many who do not have those same protections, and their loud and impressive courage is all the more inspiring because of that. I for one, will stand with those who march against tyranny.

They have flown our flag. They are not ashamed. I won’t be either.