I’ve heard the saying, “You don’t appreciate what you have until it is gone” (or something like that—I’m not sure I got the quote exactly right). For an example, as an American, I don’t really know the extent of freedom I have enjoyed, until I begin to see that freedom slipping away.

I understand, because of the history of Israel during the reign of Ahab and Jezebel, that righteous people dwell in the land – “…Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:18) The book of Romans puts it this way: “ ‘Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone an left, and they seek my life.’ But what is God’s reply to him? ‘I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal’” (Romans 11:3-4) – however, it wasn’t overtly obvious because the government “bowed the knee to Baal.”

There has always been a remnant of Israel, Ezekiel 11 and Romans 11 confirm it; and God’s faithfulness towards Jacob serves to encourage the followers of Jesus today.

What began as an autonomous nation, the United States took a substantial risk because people thought for themselves and spoke what was on their mind. Although imperfect, it gave its citizens the freedom to safely hold differing views. No matter the view, though, there was a standard of morality that it wasn’t “ok” to violate. Over time, the boundaries of morality became blurred, and the boundaries shifted—what was considered wrong or evil became acceptable and those who took a stand for biblical morality became despised.

Or as the prophet Isaiah describes:

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21)

My daughter works part time in retail sales and during the holidays, what is most often a fun job, is not fun at all! What crafter would not love working in a crafting environment—except for the holidays. You know, the time we celebrate the first coming of the Messiah, being with family, music, and food… However, during the holidays, she’s also noticed increased demands, testy temperaments, and a sense of entitlement by some customers.

I was commiserating with her when she came home from work the other night, frustrated with the seasonal demands and expectations; and it started me to thinking (again) about this post and the fact that it is easy to subconsciously nurture a similar attitude of entitlement as concerning the country and the culture where we live.

Things are changing in this country, and they are not getting better! Like the frog in the pot, the temperature is going up and if you’re not paying attention, you are going to get cooked! What is happening all around us concerning gender dysphoria, abortion, marriage (and the perversion of it) to name just a few of the issues of our times, is building a highway paved with human logic and doctrines of demons that many people are heading down. Church people are heading down. If someone doesn’t have a strong background in the Bible, not a “proof-text” knowledge, but a Holy Spirit ignited knowledge of God and His Word, then they are susceptible to the enemy’s lies.

I’m spoiled, as I can imagine a lot of people are also. We are used to freedom, doing what we want (if we can afford it) when we want, saying what’s on our minds with no fear of backlash. But that has been slowly (and now not so slowly) changing. Christians are finding that the freedom to run their businesses in alignment with scripture very costly. In fact, for many that freedom is gone. The freedom to speak about our faith in Jesus is considered hate speech by the culture that surrounds us.

The last couple of elections in this country, I’ve heard people, and commiserated with friends that, “if only Christians would get out and vote, we could make a difference.” That must be it, right? “I’m doing my part, why can’t others do theirs?” It’s kind of a slippery slope, though, because that puts us in a position of suspicion and judging. And believing that God needs our help to get things done. …like saying He is sovereign, but He still needs our help.

The problem goes much deeper than that. From Bible teachers to news reports, I’ve learned that much of the modern church believes a compromised gospel, which isn’t the gospel at all. The apostle Paul confronted that problem in the Galatian church: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. …As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-7, 9)

Although Paul was addressing the problem of Judaizers, the fact remains that any “gospel” or religion apart from the gospel of Christ is a distortion of the truth or a downright lie! …and we know who the father of lies is!

We can look at the history of the Israel and be encouraged that God keeps His promises. We can also look at the Jewish people and be reminded that all through history they have been hated. Irrationally hated, and it is again increasing—look at the news! There is a spiritual war being waged against God’s people—we cannot as Christians, grafted into God’s family, expect that we will receive better treatment than they did – and do. It is a battle against good vs. evil, God’s kingdom, and His people, against the powers of darkness.

Looking outside the window right now, I see the landscape covered with snow. Kids playing in the snow, sledding down hills, getting soaked but having the time of their lives. It reminds me of being perched on a sled at the top of a steep incline, gripped by fear and excitement for the ride—once it starts, there is no stopping—gaining momentum, and no turning back. It is both scary and exhilarating at the same time.

I look at the things happening in the world right now and I recognize that we are sitting on the top of the slope—maybe we have even started down! Deception is rampant, there are wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution is rising even in countries where we thought we were “safe.” The culture hates Christians, and many people are departing sound teaching and giving heed to the doctrines of demons. Lawlessness has increased exponentially, and the love of many has grown cold.

On second thought, we are hurling down that path! We are being set up for a global currency and the things that need to happen to bring about a one-world government are shifting and coming into alignment.

We can resist what is happening, deny what is taking place, be gripped with fear by the animosity rising—or we can, with a whoop and a holler, yell, “Let’s go, Jesus!” We’ll keep looking up because His grace is sufficient for us, and His redemption draws nigh!