Since we are about to begin a new year, it may be appropriate to think of challenges that will present themselves to us as a people in the coming year. Of course, it is not possible to think of all, and even if that were possible, there is neither the time nor the inclination even to list them. Nevertheless, to look at a few will, it is hoped, do some good.
The word “challenge” is defined as a call or summons to engage in any contest. The contest may be physical, such as sports or carnal warfare; mental, such as learning more truth from the Word of God so the faith of Christ does not become tiresome; emotional such as keeping on an even keel by refusing to go beyond reason. When confronted with spiritual challenges, such as remaining faithful to the teachings of Christ, our Lord’s apostles and evangelists remained vigilant for the Christian faith, about which one can read in the New Testament, which was once for all delivered. There are other spiritual challenges such as the temptation to sin or to give up when the trials of life come along. Perhaps, there are more spiritual confrontations than any other because Satan does not intend to make life easy for the Christian.
Everyone will have Goliaths to conquer. Furthermore, having to face up to all the Goliaths is not always pleasant. For this cause, effort is sometimes made not to pick up the sling and go to battle. Yet, the Bible itself teaches that such may be necessary, and with the help of fellow Christians, a child of God can arise to the occasion. Solomon said, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17). Steel will bring a knife to a much better edge when properly whetted against it. This we understand in sharpening tools; it is likewise true in men.
What are some of the challenges that the Christian is likely to face in the future? One is our right to exist. Christianity, real and false, is being confronted today by powerful forces in our world as never before. There is a movement in our nation to effectively destroy our guarantee of freedom of religion and give it to every pagan religion in the world. This is approached legally, such as the removal of the word “God” from all things federally owned or by passing laws that say the mere quoting of a passage of Scripture against the sin of homosexuality is hate language. It is done psychologically (political correctness) by insisting we must be tolerant to all, resulting in a lack of justice for all. It is done educationally by teaching such things as evolution in the school, and insisting that all accept it, with no true evidence for it.
What can we do? Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, we can educate ourselves, thus alerting ourselves to these dangers. In addition to the Bible itself, there are other important sources, such as Apologetics Press and Focus Press, that speak to these concerns. Secondly, we can accept the challenges, make adequate preparation to meet them and confront them, lovingly, head on! Remember, this coming year will also belong to our Lord!
