Four Truths to Embrace as Religious Liberties Erode
The passage of the Equality Act in the House.
The removal of books from Amazon.
Litigation against Christian cake bakers.
Cancel culture, even amongst friends.
This moment has people of faith feeling anxious. I see our apprehension swelling in opinion pieces online, in social media posts, and in all the what-ifs we’re asking one another. We who hold to a biblical ethic find ourselves increasingly on the margins of society and we are wondering what we should do. Only time will tell how far our religious liberties will erode, but here are four truths to hold on to, no matter what.
We are creatures with a Creator who really does know best. You and I and all 7.6 billion people on the planet were formed by God, knit together in our mothers’ wombs (Psalm 139:13). We come from dust and it’s God’s breath in our lungs (Gen. 2:7). As our Maker and Savior, our God in heaven knows what’s best for you and me. His design for our lives is perfect. Every time, no exceptions. God created us to flourish when we live according to his will. But the opposite is also true: we will surely suffer when we live contrary to it.
The serpent’s question in the garden resounds today, “Did God really say that?” (Gen. 3:1). The answer is yes, yes he did. He really did form us in a specific way that is for our good and for his glory. We are not our own (1 Cor. 6:19–20). In our secular society the public celebrates what is self-made rather than what is God-made. But it is foolish to live outside of God’s will for our flourishing. His will is eternal and good. We will self-destruct if we forge a path outside of it. We must “see to it that no one takes [us] captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Col. 2:8). Even as the world rejects Christ, we must, with his help, abide in him alone.
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed. The apostle Peter, who endured violent persecution and was ultimately murdered for his faith, exhorted his brothers and sisters, “if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name” (1 Pet. 4:16). Though he further clarified, “let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler” (1 Pet. 4:15). Peter’s call is clear: it’s a blessing to suffer for what is good and beautiful and true, but it is of no reward to us if we suffer for being a jerk.
John tells us that the word of God is truth (John 17:17) and Timothy tells us we need the whole word of God to be complete and equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16–27). Therefore, let us not cower from championing and living according to the eternal word of God. Let us not be like waves of the sea, as James says, double-minded or unstable (James 1:6–8). But also, let us not be unkind or arrogant or display any hint of hate. We are called to love our enemies (Matt. 5:43–44) and to bless those who persecute us (Rom. 12:14). May it be the word of God alone that offends, and not a haughty attitude on our part.
It seems likely that in the months and years ahead, Christians in the United States will be forced to make a choice: follow the overwhelming cultural current and receive the praise of man or adhere to the word of God and face a loss. We already know such losses could be huge: our finances, our business, our education, our friends, our family, a secure future. Like the Israelites before us, we must “choose this day whom [we] will serve” (Josh. 24:15). Brothers and sisters, let us choose Jesus, and in so doing, let us bless those who curse us. May we never shy away from doing what’s right because of the cost. May we hand ourselves over to the blessings of God that come from being cursed by the world.
Remember that God’s kingdom is upside down. Because Christians know that God’s ways are for our good, we long to see them reflected in politics, legislation, and cultural values. It is good and right for us to seek the flourishing of all people by participating in local politics, voting according to our consciences, and doing all we can to bring God’s truth to bear on the whole of society. However, we must remember that God’s kingdom is upside down. His ways are not our ways. The way of the cross is not one of political clout and power. The way of the cross is one of humility, meekness, and shame. Jesus came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). It was through Jesus’s humility and shame on the cross that God exalted him to the highest place and one day, “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:8–11).
The way of Jesus—the gospel itself—is subversive. Yes, it’s true that Jesus reigns in heaven and sits at his Father’s righthand, but on earth he was despised, rejected, and acquainted with grief (Isa. 53:3). His supremacy came through his humility. And he says to you and me, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matt. 16:24–25). Christian, our way to greatness is through loss, humility, and sacrifice, not power, fame, and fortune.
The church in Iran bears witness to this truth. Though a Muslim-majority country and known for supporting and exporting Islamic terrorism, Iran is also home to the world’s fastest growing Christian church. The church in Iran grows not through power or strong leadership or a public witness. It grows underground through the authentic witness of Christ-followers who risk everything to follow their Savior—most of them women. These believers are genuinely willing to offer their bodies as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1), knowing full-well they may face rape, beatings, and murder for their faith in Jesus. Their allegiance to Christ has been borne out of hardship and persecution. Perhaps we in the West will have the joy and honor of deepening our faith in the same way one day—may we not shrink back. May we remember the cross. May we be emboldened by the example of our siblings in Christ around the globe.
Shine brightly and warmly for others. Jesus says, “you are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matt. 5:14). If Christ is in you, then you are a light in the darkness, a lighthouse in the storm, a safe haven for those in need. Jesus is the light of the world and nothing—no legislation, no cultural current, no loss you or I ever endure—can change that. He says, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Friends, let us not keep that light to ourselves. Instead, may we “let [our] light shine before others, so that they may see [our] good works and give glory to [our] Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
These truths cannot be changed: Jesus is the light of the world, we who follow him have the light of life, and God will use our light so that others might find him, know him, and glorify him. That will happen. Yes, you and I may be mocked, persecuted, and one day even harmed for our faith. But as was so clear in the first century church and as we see even now in Iran, the light of Christ draws people in. Let us be warm, full of love, inviting, tender and kind to all who meet us. Let us be a city on a hill. Let us trust the Lord to shine through us for the good of others. May we be encouraged that his will always prevails.
Sure, the headlines are upsetting. It’s true that legislation and court cases seem to be less and less in favor of people of faith. Our first amendment rights do seem to be under threat. But the current trends are limited and will soon pass away. They are no match for that which lasts forever. The United States is not the Kingdom of God. His kingdom has no end (Luke 1:33). So then, let’s give our eternal King our allegiance. Let’s live for his everlasting kingdom alone.
Author’s Note: This article first appeared at GCD in March 2021.