Every day in the news, I read of politicians unwilling to take a stand (we call this ‘sitting on the fence’) on the important moral issues of our day: gay marriage, abortion, legalization of marijuana, internet pornography. Remember when Obama was asked about his position on abortion? He replied: “that’s above my pay grade.” [I am not disparaging our president; I am merely pointing out his unwillingness to take a stand.]
Because the proponents of these issues have managed to re-define them from issues of “morality” to “civil rights” and “free speech” issues, even many Christians are being deceived. And they are afraid to take a stand. But alas, I am not really wanting to talk about political issues!
Last year, I took a stand against a popular celebrity preacher. Some of my dear brothers and sisters in the Lord were uncomfortable with my stand, and some advised me against using “harsh” language. I respectfully toned down my language, but held fast to my position that this man was an enemy of the cross (Philippianss 3:18).
I believe the time is coming when we will all have to take a stand for truth. Paul warned “that in the later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1).
And how will we know deceitful spirits? They will NOT be teaching the cross. Paul said: “we preach Christ crucified…for the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:23,18). Will you take your stand with me today for the preaching of the cross of Christ?
If a person doesn’t stand for something, he will fall for anything.
Thanks for this, Greg - I am always aghast at the refusal of so many Christians to take a stand on such serious issues. Recently I was made aware of an evangelical pastor in good standing who publicly admitted -without remorse- recommending a woman to get an abortion for a child with a genetic defect who would "die anyway". I have just had it with stuff like this. Are we Christians or not?
ReplyDelete~ SCB
Greg,
ReplyDeleteWe have been inoculated with "disinformation". The clear truth of the Cross for the Christian has been mentioned only enough to give many of God's people a "low-grade" fever with some accompanying symptoms that look like they understand the Cross and its purposes. But as you mentioned a couple of days ago, our "default" setting has to be addressed daily or we will only have a faint memory of having been confronted with God's requirements that our flesh dies so we can live unto Him. To underestimate the power of our flesh's deception is to consign ourselves to a sterile faith that doesn't change us...or anyone else.
Stan