We are like Rome

I've been reading A Voice in the Wind, a book by Francine Rivers. As I read it, she describes Rome which has become a den of immorality. They tolerate nearly everything. Homosexuality, Beastiality, bloodsport slavery, and all kinds of degredation, believing in a multitude of gods, or no belief at all. 

Jews and Christians are the exception who are either enslaved, crucified or sent to the arena to be fed to the lions or enslaved as gladiators. As a contrast to the degredation of Roman society a Christian, Jewish, slave girl serves her masters as she would serve Christ with not only obedience, but joy. Her character speaks for her as she never criticises and only shares about her faith when asked. The story has many more layers but this part of it has stood out to me as I ponder what is happening in our country. 

Like Rome, our government is exerting more control and many have become critical of any who do not fall in line with liberal views. We as Christians, however, are missing the mark. I would encourage people to read this book as it will speak to you about where we as a country are headed and how as Christians we should handle our response to the coming persecution. 

There are pockets of places in the U.S. that are more tolerant of Christianity, however, there are more places that tout lawlessness, immorality, tolerance of blood sport, and riotous living. Our cities are experiencing murderous activity like never before. I live in a city that a few years ago saw maybe one murder per year and now we are seeing at least one a week if not more. Nothing will change these trends but a spirit of revival as we as Christians repent of our own lawlessness and wicked ways and embrace the love of Christ. We must exude HIS love to others. Only HIS love and mercy coupled with a people who portray morality without judgment will bring the world to a place of acceptance of a loving God who has sent HIS son as a sacrifice to take our place in the judgment of humankind. Every knee will bow and every tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord. 

This is a long quote, but it spells out what we must do. 

Unity Through Humility
Philippians 2

Therefore if there is any [a]consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.

The Humbled and Exalted Christ
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it [b]robbery to be equal with God, 7 but [c]made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Light Bearers
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without [d]complaining and disputing,[e] 15 that you may become blameless and [f]harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE

We are finding ourselves in a world full of  turmoil and confusion. Sometimes it is difficult to discern which way we are supposed to go. Some clarification can come when we make sure we are staying under the protection of the authorities in our lives. 

If we stay under the protection of authority we are freeing up the hands of God to work in the lives of those who are in authority over us. If we do not we are tying God's hands and getting in the way of God's perfect will. 

More importantly, if we pray for those in authority we strengthen the umbrella of protection. Those in authority are in direct line  of fire from the enemy. They are our protectors, but their position makes them open to attack. This is why praying for those in authority is so important. Our prayers form a barrier of protection for them, while their placement over us in our lives provides protection for us. 

Obedience

When my kids were little they had a habit of putting off whatever chore I needed them to do until the last minute. They pushed me until they could see me turning red and then they knew it had gone too far and they complied. I felt like somehow I had let the lines of obedience get blurred. I didn't feel like spanking was necessary at this point because they did usually obey....eventually. It was not until I read a book called, "The Spanking Book" that I got a clear idea of what was going on. It helped me draw the lines so they were black and white. It said, "Delayed Obedience is Disobedience."

Whether it is a child putting off doing what a parent requires, a man in the military who is responsible for the safety of his men, or a worker who is simply doing their job at work, we need to understand that to delay is an act of rebellion. 

When we are called of God to do something and we run away, or simply put it off. It is disobedience. We need to teach our children this concept. The act of obedience is in some ways quite comforting. If we have explicit instructions it takes away the necessity to make decisions. It relieves us of uncertainty. I too am constantly trying to pay attention to God's leading and do what he asks. The timing could be very important in the seemingly smallest tasks. We don't see the big picture, but He does. I children got used to hearing, "Delayed Obedience is Disobedience." They didn't want to disobey because I made sure they knew disobedience was rebellion and rebellion was of Satan. It made it easier on me and them once they realized there WERE some lines after all.