We are a month and a half into the Biden administration and to be honest, it’s been tough to watch. The rapid unwinding of anything Trump did that didn’t require going through Congress was honestly impressive. The “team” behind Biden is efficient as they had 19 (yes, NINETEEN) executive orders ready for Biden to sign as soon as he stepped into the Oval Office.
The peaceful transfer of power was completed, as scheduled and without any of the fireworks that the media told us to expect. For this, I am exceedingly grateful, but nowhere near the level of being surprised.
Watching Biden sign away tens of thousands of jobs in a day in the middle of a pandemic, telling us that the pandemic can’t be effected by his administration for the first couple of months, even though he “campaigned” (term used in the loosest available form) that he would have the cure ready on “day 1”. I understand that politicians are boisterous, but he was elected on two issues – dislike of Trump and the government getting a handle on the pandemic. On the 2nd point, Biden effectivley got on TV and told the nation “sike!”.
Some of the more troubling aspects coming out of Washington are the comments being made about conservatives, Trump supporters and more concerning, Christianity. The party that just took over the White House, kept a majority in the House and now have a split Senate with the Vice President casting any tie-breaking vote is saying out loud and in public, that there needs to be a cencentration on “deprogramming” those that disagree with the party in power. They appear to be serious about this initiative. There is gender legislation making it through the House of Representatives right now that clergy have warned will have negative affects on Christians.
I attempt to view all politics through the lens of religious freedom. Many times my personal opinions on matters not related to religious freedom slips in and has gotten me in trouble almost every time. I’m hard-headed that way, I guess.
So, what is a Christian supposed to do in these strange times? It is still legal to be a Christian, obviously, but it will become tougher and tougher as God’s outlined plan for the last days gets closer. What will that look like? The Bible is the best source for this type of information:
Ephesians 5:1–21 (NASB95)
1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;
2and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
3But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;
4and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
5For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
7Therefore do not be partakers with them;
8for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light
9(for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),
10trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
11Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;
12for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.
13But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
14For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.”
15Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
16making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
17So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
19speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
20always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
21and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Being Christ-like will become more and more difficult as the very last days draw nearer. Do NOT lose focus on what we are called to be and do. There are many other passages in the Bible that discuss what we should do in these last days, but this passage lays it all out. Do not participate in sin. You can call it out, but do not participate. The days are growing very dark, and the isolation makes it tougher and tougher to cope with the battles.
Find a church that is still meeting and attend. You need the fellowship and encouragement. If the church isn’t encouraging, be the encouragement. Don’t skip around looking for it, initiate it. The church (universal) NEEDS you. We are all parts of the body, and when we aren’t working together, we can’t get anything accomplished.
I’m praying for you!
Spread the Gospel, lives depend on it!!!
Your brother in Christ,
Duane
