I must confess that I have been depressed over the events of immorality and disregard for rule of law which has characterized our present governmental officials. This has caused me to become somewhat militant about affecting a change in the direction of society's proprieties. I reasoned that if Christians do not become aware of the direction of society and act accordingly, then we are doomed to lose our religious liberties. And should we lose our freedom of religious expression, undoubtedly the ensuing persecution would take away our present life style.
I deceived myself into thinking that my righteous indignation existed because of the lack of character in elected officials. I soothed my conscience by noting that I was not a thief, liar or an abuser of power and that I was only standing against wickedness in high places. The truth of the matter is that, like many other Christians, I have become too attached to this world. The fear of losing one's wealth and personal liberties seems to be more of a motivation than going to heaven.
The Hebrew writer describes the life of the patriarch Abraham in this fashion. "By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a (land) not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:9-10).
As was Abraham, the faithful today are sojourners in this wicked world. This place is not our home, we are just passing through. There is real danger for the Christian when he forgets this truth. Christians are to, "É seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). The Lord's promise is for the necessities of life if we seek His kingdom and righteousness. He has not promised to lavish upon us all the frivolous gadgets of today.
Looking again into the book of Hebrews, we find that the practicing of faith brings about persecution. "And others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword: they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves, and the holes of the earth" (Hebrews 11:35-38).
Could the above graphic description of religious persecution be a prophesy of coming events here in these United States? Sadly, I think it could. If this kind of persecution should come, what can Christians do? Center your thoughts on Heaven and do it now. It will be too late when the time of persecution comes.
It is imperative for the Christian to tell Satan and his materialism, "to get thee behind me!" The failure to do so will cause one to seek to save his earthly life style rather than to seek Heaven. "For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose or forfeit his own self?" (Luke 9:24-25).
So, what concerns you? Losing your religious liberties and suffering persecution, or losing Heaven?
~In Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 1/3/99.