/ Gentle Reformation

The world and its ways are winning

We are living at a time when the world and it's ways are winning in western civilization. On the face of it, It simply cannot be argued against. No matter which way you turn, the ungodly are not only winning the cultural, moral and educational battles, they are evidently prospering as they do so. It appears that they have no concerns beyond the pursuit of their own selfish gratification and dare anyone who would deem to stand in their way. David captured it well when he said that “pride is their necklace, violence covers them as a garment.... They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut through the earth ” Psalm 73.

The astonishing thing is not that the openly wicked are being openly wicked, that's a given. We shouldn't expect anything less from them. They are who they are, and their agendas have always been eminently clear. The breathtaking thing is the increasing ambivalence of the majority. Each year sees a new level of tolerance and acceptance of that which God decrees as wickedness.

The parallel fact of course is that church is in incredible decline in western civilization. In vast swathes of the visible community which calls itself Christian, the saltiness is all but gone. The light is but a flickering ember. When the godless media seek comment from the 'church, it's either the most pathetically congenial or the most vociferously strident voices which are sought. There is absolutely no place for the voice or testimony of those who are living humble godly lives.

One could be minded to think what's the point? It is so easy to become wearied in doing good. But we must lay hold of our minds and our hearts. We must do what David did. We must go into the sanctuary of God. For it is there that we will discern the reality of their end. "Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall in ruin. How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terror! For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; and you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you." Ps 73

Are they winning? On the face of it yes! Are they winning where the war matters? No and Never! Our King reigns!  Take refuge in Him and live for His glory, come what may.