In the world, but not of the world

I have been reading through Revelation again recently. One of the people I have a regular talk with, an avowed atheist, wanted to look at it with me. But that is a different story. What struck me was the very applicability of the whole message to our world today.

It was years ago, when the church in Laos was being persecuted, that I first realized that the message in Revelation was indeed something for us today. In Western society persecution of Christians doesn’t really happen (making life slightly miserable does not count as persecution). But that doesn’t mean it is not happening.

And as I have been reading it struck me that Christianity is made to survive in all situations. Of course. It is God’s handiwork, so of course it will survive. But seriously, it can survive all situations. It may not be pleasant or easy or look nice, but God will be with His children at all times and in all places.

This means that the political system has much less influence than we sometimes think. Christianity was born under Roman occupation with Jewish persecution as an everyday reality. It spread throughout this Roman political system, but went on throughout history , through many different situations.

Where governments accept the truths of Christianity, the country or area is blessed (and this may be better for Christians in that country). But in every system there will be abuses, unrighteousness and evil. It is up to Christians to continue showing in life and language what is truly best – the goodness and grace of God in Jesus Christ.

When Jesus speaks to the seven churches, he emphasizes their need for faithfulness to Him, in all things and at all times, until the end. That is how we will influence this world for good! I pray that we (Christians everywhere) are asking ourselves if we are doing that – in whatever political system we find ourselves. Who is most important in your life? Will a political party bring what I really want? And if so... does my heart really belong to Him?

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5