Sitting In The Company of Mockers

Choosing the right path

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. Psalm 1:1-2

Corrie Ten Boom once remarked there were times when she examined the print in the Bible to see if the ink were dry. The more I listen to the news, the more I commiserate with Corrie’s perspective. Evil and hardships were abundant in Biblical times, much like today, and certainly in Corrie’s era when she spent time in a Nazi concentration camp. But there is also encouragement in Scripture that supported her (and us) during evil times.

Everywhere you look, wickedness is rampant. Values are skewed, and absolute right and wrong tossed aside. Each person feels entitled to create their own moral compass, following their own man-made god. So it’s not difficult to see how the “good” people of this country, in an attempt to bring “safe” abortions to women, would scoff at abortion as murder and pass Roe v. Wade as “choice” decades ago.

Abortionist Kermit Gosnell’s first degree murder convictions highlight the horror of the 3,000 souls in this country who return to heaven daily by the hands of “doctors” and “mothers” who choose to end babies’ lives. No matter how sterile or anesthetic the procedure, it still amounts to murder. It appears Gosnell’s willing to forfeit his right to appeal in exchange for life sentences instead of death. Kind of ironic that he was given a choice between life and death.

Many people shrug when the subject of abortion comes up. They’ve grown numb to the subject and instinctively look the other way when details of abortion horrors emerge. After all, what can we do about it?

The Bible is clear that in all we do, even when sin surrounds us, we’re not to “go along” by our actions, whether it’s walking, standing, or sitting in that environment. In other words, don’t endorse by implication or complicity. We don’t have to succumb to the belief there’s no hope for change or the “What can you do about it?” mentality that seems to have sapped people’s resolve.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8

Talk about choice! God created choice.

It’s clear from Scripture we have two paths to choose from. As Christians, we’re to strive to live in a way pleasing to the Spirit. When we don’t, the destructive consequences show up in our lives. If we don’t fight against evil’s tide, our nation will get sucked into the undertow of an immoral abyss.

Can you imagine, just for a moment, what it would be like if God were to totally remove his hand from this country? It sends a shudder through me to contemplate. Praise God for his patience with all of us, though the day will come when this patience will end.

So how do Christians go about exacting change? What does choosing the path that pleases the Spirit look like in a practical sense?

      ·        Pray for guidance on where and how God can use you.

      ·         Get involved.

      ·         If you’re physically unable to participate in activities, speak out about social and spiritual issues that matter—abortion, human trafficking, human rights abuses, persecution against Christian beliefs in this nation and worldwide. The list is endless. And give encouragement, prayer, and possibly financial support to those physically participating.

      ·        Defend the sanctity of life—whether physical or spiritual.

Jim Elliot, martyred missionary of the 20^th century said it best:

We [Christians] are so utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a Power the Twentieth Century does not reckon with. But we are "harmless," and therefore unharmed. We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the-death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brass, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross. We are "sideliners" -- coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged.

So the question is: Are you a sideliner or a wrestler?

I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself

Oh, I could choose

Not to move, but I refuse

While there is little good to be gleaned from the tragic and morally corrupt news cycles that constantly bombard us, I want to leave you not only spiritually empowered but encouraged, as well. I did a search this week to see, aside from Christian news sites, if any good news networks exist. And there actually is one called Good News Network. Check it out.   

If you have a prayer need, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment or e-mail me confidential requests. Share your praise reports, as well. J Would you take a few moments to lift up those who leave comments or are on the prayer list above? Several folks are battling cancer, depression, and other health issues. Along with injured American soldier Sgt. Jesse McCart, who we’ve been praying for as he rehabs, is news of more U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan this week. Please continue to lift up our military and their families in prayer.

Shalom,

Laura ✞

©Laura Hodges Poole 

For a more in-depth discussion on our country’s spiritual and moral condition, click here to go to my other blog, Count the Cost, to read "The Devaluing of Life and Death." The permanent link is in the top right column of this blog. 

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