We live in a time when homosexuality and every other vile sin has come out of the proverbial closet. Not only so, but homosexuality, pornography, murder, abortion, fornication, adultery and such like adamantly demand that Christianity get into the closet—hide there and shut up!
Notably, history has a way of repeating itself, and not usually in a morally good way. The first-century, Bible world was steeped in all manner of sin and debauchery. Then, like today, Christians faced the daily challenge to eschew evil and to pursue righteousness. “Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:11 NKJV).
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. …Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:17-21)
Despite the spiritual pitfalls of all sorts that had engulfed the world by the time Christianity dawned, men and women obeyed the Gospel of Christ and came out of every kind of despicable sin to become the children of God.
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
Even if readers of the Book of Revelation do not understand its figurative language, they can be assured that this inspired volume is about the ultimate victory of God and the children of God over Satan. God wins, and His faithful followers win the most important struggle of all. Even so, Jesus Christ warned Christians long ago about sinful dangers that would defeat them were they to engage them. “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:7-8).
Like with the Greek mythological Pandora’s box, all the evils and sinfulness in the world are unlikely to be shoved back into the proverbial closet—in which unmentionable sins were secreted in former years. The spiritual warfare between righteousness and unrighteousness is being waged very openly in every family and in every community. What are Christians to do? We really only have two choices.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). Our Lord would have us to shine on. However, the apostles Paul and Peter forewarned Christians in the first century that lamentable consequences would follow. “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.’ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:14-15).
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. (1 Peter 4:12-16)
Really, we only have two choices. We can either put our Christianity in the proverbial closet, keep it there and shut up, or we can let our Christian lights shine. What are you going to do?
