The Bible is very clear when it affirms “… there is a time to keep silence, And a time to speak …” (Ecclesiastes 3:7, 8). One might also consider the inspired thoughts expressed in Proverbs 25:11, 12). My time has come to speak!
We live in very troubling times, both in our physical world as well as in our spiritual world. The forces of evil (no, I’m not trying to be over dramatic) commanded by Satan the great deceiver and “father of lies” are on the march! These forces are capturing people, families and even congregations of the Lord’s people throughout the world! The sad fact about this ongoing struggle between good and evil … between right and wrong … is that many citizens in the kingdom don’t even realize we are at war! As a result, some are being taken captive and they don’t even know they’ve been captured! Whether it’s the result of indifference, passivity or pretending it’s not so … the result is the same … loss of spiritual values and the tragic loss of souls!
Disturbing words to consider as we begin another work week, but words that must be spoken and shared! One might be led to ask, “Is it really that bad?” or “Aren’t you over reacting just a little bit?” or to say “you just need to be more tolerant and loving.” Admittedly, there is always room for improvement with regard to one’s relationship with the Lord and with our brothers and sisters in Christ! But the Judge of all the earth is the one and only judge of our lives and our love. I will tell you that just as Jesus prayed for His followers in John 17, with special emphasis on the following verses, “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:16-17), we must be aware of His desire for us and of our needed desire to be like Him!
One should be led to ask, “What can I do about this struggle and the obvious changes taking place in the world and in the church that are not for the good?” The answer is found in the title of this post. God’s people are just that … they belong to Him having been purchased by the precious blood of Jesus, God’s only begotten Son (Acts 20:28)! Please consider the following passages of Scripture:
1 Corinthians 16:13, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.”
Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Brothers and sisters in Christ … young, middle-aged, and seniors … we are in a battle for truth! We’re talking about the Truth that will set us free and the Truth by which we will one day be judged (John 14:6; 8:32; 12:48)! We are engaged in a struggle that will determine our own eternal destiny as well as that of our spouse, children, grandchildren, etc.
Are You listening? Are you concerned? The clarion call for today, October 7, and every day until the end of time as we know it is not, “See how casual we can be because the Lord really knows our hearts, grab your water bottle or cup of Starbucks and then get comfortable for another assembly,” … it is this: “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy” (Psalm 107:2)! Let us rise up and worship our Savior, our King with the respect and reverence He deserves! Let the words of our mouths praise Him with dignity and let our thanks be given to Him! Genuine worship is to be God-centered worship … not self-centered worship!
I know where I stand and I know “… whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12)! I am not being arrogant, self-righteous, pharisaic or haughty in my declaration! I’m simply affirming my complete devotion to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12)! Will you stand with me against the forces of evil, against the wiles of the evil one and against those who would do his bidding (knowingly or unknowingly)?
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing!”
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
Excellent words! We don’t need to be asleep on this. We need to constantly be measuring our lives and actions by the pattern set by Christ and not the world.
Thank you for the morale boost!
Evil can & currently is being tolerated under the umbrella of “long suffering”. What one generation tolerates, the next will embrace. To say we can’t be too direct in our preaching, because it will drive away those with good hearts, is to say “Prophesy unto us smooth things”.