Religious Freedom Restoration Act

I have been thinking a lot about my home state of Indiana lately. It recently passed the “Religious Freedom Restoration Act.” As I read rants and such on the internet I am always surprised, although I should not be, at how quickly Christians, in particular, forget that Scripture is truth. Yesterday as I watched my two daughters play at an AWANA event, we were asked to recite the Pledge of Allegiance twice (before each tournament). The words . . . “One nation, under God . . .” really struck me. If we claim to be a nation “under God” why is Scripture, and the truths of it, so offensive? And it is not the world, necessarily, that finds it so offensive. As believers in Christ we simply cannot look to Scripture and say it is "out dated" or "irrelevant". This was never God's intention. If we claim to be believers of the Gospel we HAVE to obey Scripture. Scripture is very clear on all matters of life.

So, what does a life in Christ look like? i.e. What does a life centered on the truths of Scripture look like?

Therefore, walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace . . .

We are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming, but speaking truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him (Jesus) who is the head . . .

But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather of giving thanks . . .

Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  Ephesians 4:1,14; 5:3-4, 15-17

So, we don't act like jerks on Facebook or wherever else. The world will always be against the truths of Scripture. The world will always see the cross as “foolishness”. But as believers in Christ, we have been "set apart" and called to "walk in the light". We have even been called to "walk by the Spirit."

"For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another . . . Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh . . . Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.  Galatians 13, 16, 19-25

We, then, should put on love, humility, and kindness, never wavering from truth. We should never dishonor Christ in what we say or do. To live a life that is honoring to God may look a little weird to this world. You know, it may even look quite offensive to some. But we haven't centered our lives on the “Victorian era” or a form of "Greek mythology" . . . We have centered our whole lives on the TRUTHS of Scripture and are therefore compelled to live by it. Our lives should reflect the life of Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Every word of God is tested;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
Do not add to His words or He will reprove you,
and you will be proved a liar.
Proverbs 30:5-6

Sanctify them in the truth;
Your word is truth.
John 17:17

Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's,

and to God the things that are God's.

Matthew 22:21

Live a life of love and truth.