In a time where there is so little that we can be sure of, I’m so thankful that we can be sure of the hope we have in Christ. But what does that look like in the day to day? What does it really mean to have our hope in Christ?
One thing is certain – I know it doesn’t mean we should be fatalists. In other words, I know it doesn’t mean that we should throw our hands up in the air and say, “May God’s will be done. He’s got this.” And then do nothing to obey His Word and stand for truth and righteousness. Yes, we have real hope that God “has this,” but there’s more to faith than words alone (… faith without works is dead – James 2:14 – 26).
Faith and Works
I recently posted this meme on FB that is from Not the Bee that illustrates this thought perfectly. Faith is setting our eyes on Christ and having hope in the absolute truth of Scripture. Works are essentially the hands and feet that work out our obedience and sanctification in the day to day of life, demonstrating the faith that we claim to have.
In many ways, this will look different in each person’s life. Our obedience to allow the LORD to decide the size of our family is different than someone else’s who served as a missionary in India (see Amy Carmichael) or someone who started a prison ministry (see Chuck Colson). But the point is for us ALL as Believers to live our lives to glorify God. So much so, that if we were on trial for being accused of being a Christian, there would be ample evidence to convict us.
The road ahead
The future is scarily uncertain. I sometimes think to myself, surely the LORD is coming soon. Right? Or man, I’d love to live out on a farm somewhere and be completely off the grid and self sufficient. This from someone who loves sidewalks and would consider even “glamping” a form of torture.
So how in the world can we walk with faith and hope in this moment, exactly where the LORD has us?
Right the ship
Considering we’re here and still breathing, how do we face the unknown future? I think one way is to reach back and learn from our past. I was listening to Jordan Peterson the other day, and I thought what he had to say was so interesting. He explained that many people tell him how courageous he is. His answer: “Not exactly!” He contends he hasn’t been courageous, but more than anything he has been fearful of what he has learned of totalitarian regimes of the past. History may not always exactly repeat itself, but it can definitely rhyme. Therefore, knowing the nature of man and understanding what has happened in the past, he fears for what can happen in the future if we don’t right this ship Western culture is currently in.
But if we don’t know what’s happened in the past, how will it be possible to right the ship? It would be as if we know instinctively something is wrong, but don’t know how it all happened or how to fix it.
Most importantly, if we don’t pass on this information to our children, the future leaders of this country, who will? Certainly not public schools. We must educate ourselves so we can empower our children to be clear eyed, and live lives with wisdom and truth.
Overwhelming
This sounds so daunting, doesn’t it? At least, for me it does. Growing up, I hated history. So I have had a lot of catching up to do (and lots more to go!). But there are so many great books to read that can help! So many incredible authors have condensed history to make it clear and understandable.
We need to know history, for just one reason, to understand and defend the founding of our country. It’s flawed to be sure, but it’s the best country in the world by far. But why is that? We’re told by the media and the cultural elites that America is a fundamentally racist place. So why are immigrants still risking their lives to get here?
We should also understand the history of Christianity and the work of missionaries. Were they wicked white supremacists who were imperialists that wanted to barbarically kill or wickedly abuse all brown and black people? Or are there other perspectives to be investigated?
Complicated history
I admit, history is messy. That’s because history is made by very messy, sinful people. But if we can empower ourselves with accurate, objective (or as objective as possible) history that is from a Biblical Worldview, we can more confidently face the uncertain future. By looking back, we can march forward with confidence, having learned the lessons of those who have gone before us. We can also unapologetically answer objections to our long held values, convictions, and faith with grace and truth.
We need to read and study our history because historical revisionism is very real, and we need to know the truth. Additionally, attacks to the family, our faith and our country are many. The luxury of passively ignoring the cultural drift is long gone. We need to have appropriate answers to these attacks, and so do our kids. With knowledge there is power. And there is zero wrong with power. If we don’t wield it, there are many very wicked people who are more than happy to take things over. In fact, many already do.
So I encourage you to check out our books! Get some for you, for your friends, and of course, for your family. Learn the good, the bad, and the ugly. But most importantly, learn the TRUTH so we can defend it with confidence and strength.
I pray that we maintain our eyes and hearts on the hope we have in Christ, no matter what the future holds. And I pray that we are the hands and feet of God, so that Truth can prevail and that God may be glorified with everything we do, and every book we read!
