Once a month, a small group of military men gather in a back room of the gymnasium at the Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia. As one might guess by the location, the majority is comprised of Marine Corps officers, but they graciously welcome a few Army folks (both retired and active). We share breakfast of pancakes and sausage. Drink significant amount of coffee, as well as some juice (need to pretend we are consuming healthy things). And, we study lessons from the Word of God. It is encouraging and inspiring to meet with a group of talented leaders and warriors who hold the name of Christ up and submit to His lordship.
Recently, as often happens in most groups, the discussion turned to the declining state of our society. As the acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty is attacked by various groups, who profess causes as varied as the groups are numerous, we witness morale decline in our schools, social norms, government programs, and even in (perhaps one should say – especially in) religion. Citing the legal battle in Texas against a school district which dared to offer Bible as an elective study, we lamented against yet another attack against God’s Word and our Christianity. It is particularly troubling that a church deacon is among those seeking to legally remove that course from the district’s curriculum. It is a shame that the enemy is able to gain alliance and support even from within the body of Christ. However, we have been warned through the ages that attacks will come until Christ returns in His glory and power. We must be vigilant, but we should not be surprised. I think there is another danger that each of us face, I am often injured by a more subtle attack. Battles, like the one in Texas, become feints that distract me from my responsibility to serve God. I become focused on how terrible other things are, but overlook what I can do in my community to bring glory to God.
I would like to share my response to the e-mail dialogue we had on the Texas issue. I have two purposes for sharing this. First, I need to openly confess my sin in this area. Second, maybe this will encourage others to act on what they can do to bring glory to God in their sphere of influence. King Jehoshaphat tore down all of the idols and corrupt places of false worship in Judah, but he didn’t attack the northern kingdom of Israel to destroy their idols. He worked in the areas of his control. Likewise, we need to be active in working to glory the Father where we have influence. As that sphere of influence grows, we will create a tsunami that will sweep across the nation and the world. Here is my e-mail:
All,
I’ve enjoyed this dialogue. However, it has caused me to look introspectively at the challenges we face. I’m not comfortable blaming the church or even schools anymore. My apathy contributed to this state that we find ourselves. My failure to turn off the television to study or leave the movie when I should have or help the needy, these things failed to bring honor to God. These things are within my ability to act upon and my power to correct.
I can’t influence schools in Texas or pulpits in Washington, but I can impact my sphere of influence and take the initiative as God guides me. We must certainly be vigilant of the influence of the Prince of the Air on our community and act with the armor of God which Paul described in Ephesians 6. However, don’t allow those things to mask or excuse our own actions (or inaction). I must yield to His mentorship and answer His call.
In Him,
Dan
