During Covid, Christians and evangelicals believed that persecution was upon them. A microspcopic bug, contagious, deadly, with no protection against it, the measures taken to limit its spread threw Christians into a conspiracy spin. Faith? They forgot they had any. They forgot that God was the Creator of all things, even viruses. They spewed out so much hate against the protocols to limit the spread. Fellow believers were not concerned or cared that the rhetoric was pure hatred against authorities. Hatred was justified by scripture. It is better to obey God than man. And the hate for, well..pretty much everything, except for prosperity and American freedoms, has sent society back over one-hundred years. Think about it. In the year 1916 America was dealing with WWI, public health issues (the Spanish flu was on the way), domestic sabotage, social inequality, racial tensions and on and on.

Christians, evangelicals, believers, whatever label Jesus followers wear, none of them want to say, much less believe that one man could send our nation back in time using a sling-shot effect – like in Star Trek 4, the Voyage Home. That’s my favorite movie. There is only one group of Americans that would even have a desire for this nation to go backward. Only one group of Americans would gain. But, American society has grown, diversified and Americans are no longer satisfied with the status quo. Civil Rights, Women’s Rights, Voting Rights, etc. labor laws, immigration laws were all established because the laws of this nation make it possible. It’s that simple, even though the road to establish any law is not. Slavery lasted until 1865. It was followed by Jim Crow which lasted for another hundred years. That was a long road to end one inhumane practice. Think about that. In four and a half years we could be back to the time of the robber barons. Well, with all the tech giants, it kind of feels that way now.

The Lord has said to be still and know that I am God. But God’s people were always and still are known for doing things that are right in their own eyes. The persecution of God’s people is always present. Perceived persecution is not the same thing. During, the COVID pandemic, misinformation led to much perceived persecution among Christians. Let’s face it though, real persecution, is the price to follow Jesus.

Today we see the gospel of Jesus Christ being trampled across the country and Christian leaders and evangelicals couldn’t care less. Many well-known evangelical leaders embrace a new Christian doctrine. Call it a mixture of Christian values and political power that allows them to do – again – whatever is right in their own eyes. They cannot help themselves. And the thing is, once Christians go to that dark place, there is only one way out. Anyone that tramples the gospel, the very words and commands of Jesus may find himself battling God. The Scriptures tell us, that he, who does not obey the words of Jesus cannot possibly obey God, because He and the Father are One.

Christian character matters

The last few weeks. I have been helping some Christian friends with some business paperwork. Lo and behold I was surprised by their attitude. They had no qualms about going around tax laws. I mean, there are many loopholes in the tax laws that allow for certain practices without getting in trouble with the IRS. And while it may be legal, is it ethical? I found their “as long as it’s legal. It’s ok with me.” attitude a little rattling. Maybe the IRS would flag the practice, maybe it wouldn’t. If the leaders approve it, it’s ok. I guess. Except for, this particular practice is not a norm. It is not condoned. It is not allowed according to business practices. But, these folks see it as a blessing from God. Could they get in trouble? Possibly.

This is where the Christian man is today. Compromised.

We are to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord on Sunday. Jesus died so that “we” all who believe in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. This event is packed with spiritual truths. And though we who believe, live in the world, we are not of this world. So, why do we choose to live as if we do? Is it easy? No. It was never meant to be easy to live for Christ. He told us that we would be hated because of Him.

The apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:23 “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.”

This nation is full of lustful things, full of privileges and freedoms to satisfy every whim we have, but that does not mean we should take advantage of or practice or embrace such things. They do not edify the spirit and certainly do not give God any glory.

Compromising, it is here where we lose credibility as children of the living God. The one thing that makes any man, or woman sin is the condition of their heart (Matthew 15:18–20) Christian character matters.

Have a blessed weekend.