Cynthia Cummings-Walker, Lifeandbibleblog.com
In talking with other Christians about the unbridled evil that is pervading our nation and world today, I asked them a question “What can a Christian do about the rapid decline of our nation?” Pseudo-Christianity has taken a stronghold in government, evil is advancing, inflicting mass suffering on one hand, while there is wealth and unbridled power on the other.
Most Christians answered me by saying that all they can do is pray because “God is in control.” I wonder if saying “God is in control” is a statement of faith in God to do everything with no expectation of Christian action? Or is saying that “God is in control” simply an excuse that absolves a Christian of any responsibility to action?
God is Not in Control of This World, Satan Is
God’s absolute power is displayed through His Sovereignty, Eternality, Omnipotence, and Omnipresence. Yes, God has absolute dominion, power and control; however, the devil is in control of this world until Christ returns.
I John 5:19 “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”
2 Corinthians 4:4 ” The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ…”
Luke 4:5-7 “The devil led Him (Jesus) up to a high place and showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to Him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; ..if You bow down and worship me.” Jesus did not dispute the devil’s declarations, He rejected the offer.
Hebrews 2:14 “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil.”
To try to interfere with the devil’s control over the world might appear impossible; therefore, many Christians place the onus on God to control it all. No. God has given true Christians guidance, strength, and the ability to do the seemingly impossible in this battle against the wiles of the devil.
Do What Jesus Did
Evangelize
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria and as far as the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:8
God has empowered Christians to accomplish His purposes. At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, the first thing He did when he saw some fishermen, He asked them to follow Him and He would make them fishers of men (Matthew 4:19) That should be a Christian’s priority as well, among responsibilities:
Be Salt and Light
“You are the salt of the earth”. “You are the light of the world..” Matthew 5:13,14. Christians have a responsibility to reflect God’s character and truth by shining a light in the darkness that has covered the earth by the devil.
Salt cannot remove sin, yet it can slow down the degenerative process of sin. There are so many false religions, hellish activities disguised as Christianity. Matthew 16a says: “You will know them by their fruit.” We can spot truth from error and good from evil. A bad tree cannot produce good fruit.
There are so many false religions, hellish activity disguised as Christianity. Are the so-called Christians following the course the Lord has set before them to love as a foundation of their actions? Or are their actions completely antithetical to what the Lord commands. Do they hate, cause suffering and death to those whom Christ loves and died for regardless of their religion
Just disagreeing and praying is not enough. God requires us to bring light and clarity to what is happening. Warn those who are heading toward the cliff of politics to save America which has permeated our society.
Expose Evil
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light: for whatever makes manifest is light.” Ephesians 5:11-13.
Jesus openly rebuked the Scribes and Pharisees on how they were misleading the people. The Apostle Paul called false teachers out by name. Jesus and Paul were exposing evil because people should be warned if they are headed for spiritual disaster. Some people do this openly and some do not. Christians have to pray and do what they feel is best, and in what way, as long as they deal with the issue.
I believe that Christians should have a relationship with the Lord through reading and studying scripture and obeying, then deviations in doctrine will be evident. For example: bank tellers do not have to know the different kinds of counterfeit money. They just have to study the authentic bills and a counterfeit will be easily recognized.
I point to scriptures regarding a situation, not necessarily individuals or “ministry” personalities. If a person is not generally knowledgeable about scripture, or are being drawn into harmful false doctrine, I will intervene until they are spiritually mature enough to discern good from evil.
Many of the struggles Christians have in this world are related to some type of Spiritual warfare. False doctrines or spiritual deceptions; trying to shine a light in darkness that unbelievers are in. Or, just plain wickedness permeating the devil’s world we are instructed to fight.
Fight Spiritual Warfare with God’s Power
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20.
The amount of power God gives is probably commensurate with the relationship we have with Him. If we are in contact with Him daily and follow His guidance we may run on full power. If we are a nominal Christian we may have less to work with. Whatever stage we are in there is always room for a closer relationship with the Lord. Regardless, God has revealed to Christians what they need for the ongoing battle.
Ephesians 6:10-12 says: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.”
Just as we put on our natural clothing daily, we should put on the full armor of God. He has empowered, strengthened and equipped Christians to accomplish His Will and purposes. What we should remember to do is pray and obey His instructions.
In Conclusion
Relying on “God is in control” has little bearing on the reality of what is going on in this world. This is the devil’s world. This is warfare. Wars are not fought solely in the War room. Christian Warfare requires equipment, strategy and combat undergirded with prayer.
Therefore, put on the full armor of God and fight, fight, fight with purpose, words and actions. God’s power within us assures victory. The road may be tough, yet knowing that the Lord is with us as we accomplish His will gives us strength for the battle.
When we stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ we can hear Him say; “Well done My good and faithful servant” to the righteous, and “Depart from Me” to the wicked who embraced everything they should have rejected.
I’m Praying that Christians will always be moving towards a closer walk with the Lord. His Will is revealed in His Word, the Bible. God has a wonderful plan for our lives. He placed us here to succeed, not to fail. To Win, not lose.
May “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 Amen.
A Word to the Wise 