"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;" (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
If there has ever been a time that we need to pray for our rulers, it is now. The reason is simple, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." That means that we can maintain our freedom of speech and expression so long as it doesn't hamper other people's freedom and is not offensive. While we must be sensitive to other people's feelings to a degree, how far do we go with the "offensive?" In this day of political correctness which is designed to keep all from being offended, it seems to only achieves one thing, providing the rights of the liberal and unbelieving the license to say what they will at almost any time but shut the rest of us up. Here is a frightening example that hit home recently in the work place. We all received an email from a second level supervisor since our immediate supervisor was out on extended sick leave. It basically said that open conversations in the office criticizing President Obama were found offensive by some coworkers. It continued by saying that if anyone wanted to discuss politics, religion or any sensitive subject, that it should be done in a private area.
Someone was offended when they heard several of us express our misgivings regarding the president's recent win of the Nobel peace prize. This person or persons were appearently offended and called the concerned party (whoever it was). Now we have sexual harassment laws that protect ladies from harassment. That's good. But like the political correctness that has plagued us since the Clinton years, they extend far beyond that so that when you receive the training on this you get the idea that just about anything is protected except good, descent, Biblical, Christian living.
When some of our staff talked against George Bush, or other conservative figures, no one complained or called anyone. I, along with others, debated staff members several times regarding these things but we always came away friends and could talk of other professional matters five minutes later without any problem. What is really disturbing about this is that this is not just an isolated problem but is the trend and spirit that is pressing throughout the whole nation. So why are the ones "offended" always the ones on the left and the Obamaites? After experiencing reading the above email, I know for sure why, even though I suspected the answer.
When I read the above email, I felt an attach of Satan that I hadn't felt for a long time although the person who wrote it probably felt they were doing their job and duty. I felt as someone had just kicked me in the stomache and was actually pushing down on my whole body. I knew it was demonic so while I wasn't frightened, it showed me that this was much deeper than just someone getting their feelings a little ruffled because we were criticizing their man. It wasn't that someone just disagreed on politics or even religion, it was an attack of Satan to frighten and silence all voices of opposition to not only Obama, but anything that would stand for Christianity and holiness. Yes, it did say "religion," but I know how that is played out as well. A religion is no problem in most places as long is Jesus isn't involved. I don't think I would have felt so concerned if the word "religion" weren't also there, as is not enough to muzzle the mouth of those why may dare criticize this president. God forbid! So, Satan uses these tactics to not only allow dictators to take control, but also stop all talk of the things of God. This is why we must pray even harder that we ever have for our country. Our freedoms are being shut down not inch by inch, but mile by mile and if we expect to have anything left for our children or even a chance to work for Christ much longer should He terry, we need to pray. Remember the scripture in Ephesians 6:: 12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." We are fighting the forces of this world. We must learn to pray in the spirit, speak and pray in other tongues as the spirit gives us utterance, and be able to groan in the spirit to break down strongholds of the devil. This is our only hope! It's what will help us love our enemies and win the battle. It's now or never!!!
In closing, I'm reminded of the statement of English martyr Hugh Latimer who said, "Whenever you see persecution, there is more than a probability that truth is on the persecuted side." We must walk in Truth and love and we can only do that with God's grace and help. May Christ help those who need their hearts truly cleansed by his blood.
2 comments:
I could not have said it better myself Roger!
I suppose it is alright for them to speak against freedom and righteousness, but they desire to stop us from speaking against socialism and immorality. I actually consider them to be intertwined as socialism is covetousness and theft.
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