Matthew 5:14-16
[14] You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Eric Metaxas wrote in his book, Bonhoeffer, that German church leaders believed aligning with the Nazi state could restore the church’s influence or German national strength, but in reality, they were surrendering the church’s independence and mission.
He highlighted how the German Church didn’t respond with immediate resistance, not because the evil wasn’t apparent, but because it seemed gradual, respectable, and even regular at first.
Just like during the lockdowns, pastors were arrested and fined for not complying. Likewise, pastors and church leaders were arrested under the Nazis for noncompliance.
During the lockdowns, churches were not allowed to gather for worship because it was believed that doing so would spread the disease. Yet, at the very same time, massive nationwide protests erupted across America, with an estimated 15 to 26 million protesters taking to the streets. And what was done…? There was widespread property damage, riots, looting, arson, and clashes with the police.
What am I saying? What is the point? Our freedoms are fleeting. Our right to worship and serve God is being threatened. Now isn’t the time to give up the little bit of power we have left. Now is the time to stand up for your faith. To speak out for Christ. Pray diligently and fast with earnestly seeking the favor of God.
We don’t give up our freedoms and rights for a possibility of power or authority. How can we have power or authority without rights and freedoms? We can’t. Our job as Christians is to be Christ to the world. We do that by teaching, preaching, and living the Gospel.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Live It.