2006-01-26 - The Days are Evil

Eph 5:15-16 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (NIV)

I'm going to wax political for a moment, but only as an example of the deceit manifest in the world in which we live. The world system is a mesh of relativistic, politically correct ideals that are very often contrary to Christianity. The world does not like absolutes and Christ came with many absolutes, both positively and negatively charged. Calling a group of religious leaders "blind guides" is not exactly politically correct. And, while forgiving a woman caught in the act of adultery is probably considered very generous and acceptable, reminding those around her that they are sinners too is probably not.

I saw a very disturbing bumper sticker that said, "Get your Religion Out of My Government". Make no mistake, the days are evil. We must be as wise as serpents, and as gentle as doves. (Matt 10:16)

The arrogance and misleading ideas in this statement are sad. First, it is our government, not the government of specifically one person or group of persons who hold a particular set ideals. I have as much right to have a say in how the government is formed and run as the person who displays this bumper sticker. Second, the lack of a spiritual supreme being is not the lack of a religion. Secular Humanism indicates that man is the highest order of development - the top of the heap in the natural order if you will. The United States Supreme Court defined Secular Humanism, in the mid-1960's as a religion. By asking for the removal of religion from government, he or she may be disqualifying themselves as well.

I don't care what your political affiliation is, or who you voted for in the last ten elections. I do care that we, as believers, are aware and thinking.

Our Christianity is a source of our foundational values. It is, hopefully, a guide for how we live our lives and want to run our families and raise our children. It is not a half baked mix of crazy ideas or warm fuzzy feelings. It is a cohesive set of ideals that were handed down to us by God, Who was shown to us in the person of Jesus Christ. Christianity is offensive to those around us often because it is seen as exclusive. If Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven, that is exclusive. No doubt about it. But there is no exclusion on who may accept His offer of salvation, which is very inclusive. Is the Christianity we present inclusive or exclusive?

The days are evil in many ways. Yes, there are beautiful, wonderful days as well. But the world system makes war against Christianity and the battle lines are being drawn. I encourage you to know what you believe and why you believe it. And to be ready to answer anyone who may have am honest question, or be willing to get that answer. Redeem the time.

Grace & Peace,
Mike

mhoskins@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org