“So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard’” (Acts 4:18-20 ESV).
I admit that I get frustrated as I read all the various reports about the attacks on religion in our country, and especially on anything that identifies itself as “Christian.” While I will admit that I am often in disagreement with what is being done in the name of Christianity (finding no basis in the New Testament for many practices), the fact is that whenever anything that is perceived as “Christian” is attacked, it has an effect on those trying to practice pure and undefiled New Testament Christianity. I am stupefied by the absolute misinterpreting of the concept (not actually constitutional but found in other documents) of the “separation of church and state.” I do not want a government run or mandated religion. However, the free practice of religion is protected for each individual (not freedom from religion, but freedom of religion!) by our constitution. Beginning with the guise of “separation of church and state,” a constant attack is being made on the practice of religion in our country, period.
However, in the end, the fact is that it does not matter. Ultimately, I am to stay faithful to God, to speak about God and to attempt to spread the Gospel message – no matter what government says. We are blessed (and spoiled) to have the ability to worship legally, freely and as often as we wish. That freedom is under attack constantly, and as “victories” are won in the court system contrary to the free practice of religion, those who hate religion and Christianity particularly are going to expand their attacks beyond their “separation” argument. Eventually if they have their way, our freedom of religion will be totally gone. However, the fact is that it does not matter. Ultimately, I am to stay faithful to God, to speak about God and to attempt to spread the Gospel message – no matter what government says.
Drunkenness, promiscuity, homosexuality and abortion are all legal under our government, but that does not mean I have to practice them. “Political correctness” does not just demand that we speak politely (we all agree with politeness). PC wants us to toe the line of what the PC police believe, and that definitely does not include the call that “there is salvation in no other name given among men” but the name of Jesus.
We are going to honor the name of Jesus, no matter what government or anyone else says. We are going to live for Jesus, no matter how unpopular or ridiculed that may be. We are going to spread the Gospel, no matter how politically incorrect that is. We are going to stand for God even if the foundations of society are shaken by evil. We are going to stay faithful and be participants in the victory that is in Jesus Christ, though the world thinks that it has defeated us.
Because of our stand with Him – we are going to win! No debate, no question and no other possible outcome – we will win! That does matter!
