In this season, more than any before, I believe it’s time to strongly reflect on a couple of powerful verses…
“Anyone who isn’t with Me opposes Me, and anyone who isn’t working with Me is actually working against Me.” Luke 11:23
So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. Revelations 3:16
I have heard from several pastors that we “Christians” should stay out of politics. That we are not to ostracize ourselves by taking firm stances. I have heard them say that we must water down our Sunday morning behavior, so we don’t frighten or “turn off” those coming in for the first time, and those visiting unbelievers. In their words, I see that they want me to be more worried about someone thinking I’m weird, than to truly worship God with abandon.
I say this is hogwash! I believe it’s that type of stinking thinking that has our world where it is today. It’s this watered-down presentation of the gospel that has allowed the enemy so much wiggle room because he knows pastors won’t take a stand for Christ, and also will concede to his gnashing teeth. Every time we bow to his agenda, he takes more ground. Every time we think we can just give an inch he takes 2 miles…not just 1.
I, for one, am sick of it. I refuse to ever again be a part of a church body that lacks courage to stand firmly on the gospel. I also refuse to be somewhere that is ashamed of the movement of Holy Spirit.
In my heart, I truly believe that if we (the church) would just be who we are, no matter who is visiting, then more people would not only be saved, but they’d truly be transformed by Holy Spirit. When we shy away from allowing Holy Spirit to move on Sunday mornings, then we are showing non-believers and new believers that Holy Spirit is someone to be ashamed of…and the thought of that makes me want to fall to the ground weeping. I would never want to make Holy Spirit feel unwelcome.
God, please forgive me if I’ve ever stood in opposition to Holy Spirit. Forgive me for any time I’ve been afraid to walk in power because of what others may think. Take me back to my first Love and let us walk a walk of unbridled passion, in this time…even around those who have no idea what passion is or should look like. I refuse to water down my walk with You, ever again. It is what it is. I love You beyond words. I love You beyond anything else. You are my One true thing.
It’s time to choose a side. As the first verse stated…we are either working for Him or against…there is no in between. There is no grey. Sorry, there just isn’t. Even if you’re trying to remain neutral…there is no more neutral…He makes it clear, you’re either for or against Him.
Choose this day whom you will serve.
This choice is between obviously wicked things and the Truth…but it is also between things that parade themselves as righteousness and following God. It’s a seemingly more challenging choice every day. As the church gets winnowed out and chaff is separated from wheat, we must be vigilant to have ears that truly hear, eyes that really see, and hearts that honestly know God. Choosing God will be something we do daily. Be vigilant. We can make it through this time victoriously.
365 Days in the Presence 