Secularism

            Recently on the news, I heard an interview with a woman who believes in “secularism.”  She believes the words “In God We Trust” should come off coins, “Under God” should be taken out of the “Pledge of Allegiance,” and an assorted other separations of “church and state.”  She commented that in Europe people have become less and less “religious” and more secularist and she thinks this is good.  This, as I see it, goes totally against the Bible.  This is right up Satan’s alley!

Yet, isn’t this just what we are seeing throughout our country!  Because Believers have stood silent, depicting consent, our Bibles have been removed from schools, as have prayers; and we see Pastors being threatened for the way they preach the Word.  We’ve come to a place where we have to be careful what we say, to who, and even careful about what we wear in case someone finds our Christian logo or “thought” we have on our shirt to be offensive!  We’ve become a corrupt, self-seeking, self-serving, unethical, tainted, harmful, dishonest society, and this is especially noted in the political realm.

              Jesus told his disciples he was “sending them” as his Father had “sent him.”  His disciples followed that teaching disregarding the risk to their lives.  Today, we, as Christians, carry the mantle of “disciples.”  It is to us He now speaks, saying, “I send you!” 

            There are some who are sure they have “nothing to offer!”  That is so far from the truth.  Even the poor widow (who only gave two mites) gave!  And what made hers so special is, she gave “from her poverty!”  She gave all she had, not from her abundance.  Can we do any less?

            Talents and gifts are often in “the eyes of the beholder!”  God has given each of us an ability, even if it doesn’t seem like it!  Prayer is huge.  Who can’t pray?  Another option is to help someone in need.  It might be a neighbor next door, or across the street.  It might also be that homeless person you see standing on the corner asking for help or one in a fast food restaurant, wanting nothing more than a meal.  It might mean visiting a shut in who has been sick or an elderly person who feels forgotten because their family has moved away.  Offering a ride for a shopping adventure or take someone to their doctor’s visit, is another “gift.” 

            Our churches always need assistance in dozens (literally) of ways!  Minister to youth, teach a Sunday School class, do some cleaning in the sanctuary, decorate, or sing in the choir!  If you can’t think of anything, ask! 

            When people, like the one I heard on the news, speak against the church, people listen.  People listen because Satan is working hard to corrupt communities, as we strive to win them to Christ.  Such determination, one way or the other, has an effect on people, especially those who are easily persuaded and sit on the fence about how they feel or believe.  We absolutely must speak out as strongly about our God, as those who choose secularism.  When we speak and teach God’s word, people will listen….if we believe what we’re saying ourselves!  

            So I challenge you to “put Satan in his place!”  Fight secularism by shining your light among your friends, family and neighbors, by giving from your poverty, as well as, your abundance if you have it!  You will be rewarded in ways you hadn’t expected!