Belief and Actions

 

What we believe affects how we act.

It is a simple concept. If we believe the Ten Commandments we will teach our children to love God and not to lie, kill, and commit adultery (among other things). If we think the Ten Commandments are restrictive teachings of an ancient society that have no bearing on our day, we will do as we please regarding these things.

It gets more complicated when we think about some of the other teaching of the scripture that are not as straightforward as, “Thou shall not……”

It’s Getting Worse

For instance, if you were taught, as I was, that things are getting worse and worse in the world and this is proof that Christ will return very soon, it can affect the way you live as well as how you teach your children about evangelism and Christian living. Many believe that Christ will return any day now so our only concern, as Christians, is with the salvation of individuals. We need not worry about affecting our culture with Christian principles, regardless of the fact that the lives of everyone improve when we live according to God’s Word.

If we aren’t going to be here for long, why waste our energy on such efforts as improving schools and insisting on integrity in politics?

It’s Getting Better

If we take our eyes off of the daily news and look at Christianity, we see a different picture.

Christ started out with 12 disciples and a few hundred followers in one small part of the world. There are now 2 billion Christians worldwide and the numbers are growing outside of Western culture where we have abandoned Christian living for personal piety and church activity.

God’s Kingdom

With this understanding we are more likely to be willing to press for God’s law to be the law of every land.

I know that cannot happen overnight but it seems we have given up hope of ever having a godly place to live and do our work. The challenge I have received from this understanding of how God is slowly but surely growing His kingdom rule on earth, is that I am to speak and to act like I know it is His kingdom.

I have often thought that because it is not a predominantly Christian culture that I cannot expect Christian law and principles to rule the day. The truth is that God already expects that the world will obey His laws and principles and it is a true sign of not loving my neighbor when I fail to speak the truth to those whom God will judge (which is everyone!)

It seems it is time to adopt a new perspective on God’s Kingdom and His reign on earth today. Psalm 47:7-8 say, “For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.”

Nothing has changed since this was written.

The Bible repeatedly tells us that we live in the “Kingdom of God” and that “Christ is King.” If we truly believe the scripture, we have no excuse to remain silent about our King.  (Isaiah 9:7, Matthew 28:18, Acts 17:24)

It is the best way to love our neighbors.