The
command to disciple the nations (Matthew 28:19) underlines what I
mentioned earlier, namely that in addition to our individual
responsibility before God, we also have corporate responsibility for
“the nations.” But we have largely abdicated that
responsibility. Acts 1:8 expands on the meaning of “nations,” to
include Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. In
terms of application, after “me and my house ” and the
church, we need to disciple the cities, provinces
and nation(s). We also need to understand the times, to know
what to do and how to do it. We have the mind of Christ and He knows
these things (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Understand that the world has been taken captive through deceptive
human philosophy to do his will (Colossians 2:8 NIV; 2 Timothy 2:26). We need to understand its
seductive nature, and the strategies of the enemy. Since “he who
speaks first seems to be right until his neighbour comes and examines
him” (Proverbs 18:17), one of the enemies strategies is to silence
the “neighbour!” He does this through the tyranny of political
correctness, by having his captives noisily drown out public
debate, classifying free speech as hate speech, and verbally and
otherwise attacking any “neighbour” who dares to open her mouth.
Of course there are “innocents” who are caught up in all of this,
but let's not be naive, there are also those ready, willing and
able to use these things for political, and other gain. In such a
climate, it's easy to forget that our struggle is not against flesh and
blood, and that we are not to wage war with the enemies weapons
(Ephesians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 10:3). We must be as wise as serpents,
and harmless as doves, and we need much, much more of the spirit of
wisdom and revelation if we are to answer with the grace and wisdom
that Christ answered those who opposed Him.
A
couple of examples. Isn't Socialism morally superior because
it makes people more equal? Who but regressive selfish jerks could
oppose people being equal? But is there not another side? The allure
of supporting Socialism, is that you can
feel good about yourself, and look down on others! And by and large
it doesn't cost you anything (1 John3:18). And is there not a
difference between equality of outcome and equality of opportunity?
Another question, has socialism worked in the past? In Cuba and Venezuela there is
a great deal of equality, but everybody is poor. If we don't learn
from history we're destined to repeat it! And
what about the abortion issue? Are not those who are who are pro -
life waging war on women? Doesn't a woman have the right to control her own body? Well again, there's another side to this. Is it
only the woman who's involved here? Is the fetus part of her body?
If a woman is pregnant with a male fetus, does the woman have a
penis? A penis is part of a male fetus and if the fetus is part of
her body, then perhaps a women can have a penis after all!
Father,
I pray for us all this morning, for a spirit of wisdom and
revelation in the knowledge of You (Ephesians 1:17). That You would
give us the discipline to study to be approved unto You, that You
would help us to know our part in all of this, to give the courage
and wisdom to act in a way that pleases You. And we'll give You the
glory in Jesus Name Amen
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