Who Do You Fear Most?

I've heard some pretty incredible words of wisdom and perspective in recent days on a variety of big-picture topics as they relate to the direction of our culture and society.

If you'll permit to paraphrase in my own words... the fear of government has taken over one's fear of God.

There was a time when we as a society feared God. Not afraid, mind you. But a healthy awe, respect and reverence. Likewise, we feared our parents; which was a mix of respect and true fear. In fact, our fear of God was instilled in us because of the fear of our parents!

Now, not so much.

We don't look at right and wrong, words and deeds in light of God's truth, love and grace. We act and respond more due to people's perceptions, reactions or how we perceive they might react. While that's always been a far cry from the will and ways of God, it seems like an even farther cry these days.

Beliefs are now biases.
Principles are prejudices.
Conviction is no longer courageous
Discernment is discarded.

We no longer arrive at a place of mutual understanding. We don't even agree to disagree. Sorry isn't enough.
And name-calling is the mic drop moment that ends every conversation.

Christianity and the church even struggles to walk this ever-increasingly fine line. A balancing act that seems to be a set-up and a trap on par with the nature of what the Pharisees laid before Christ himself.

So, while we pray for the strength and fortitude for our pastors, pray also this #deaconThursday for those who serve to complement and complete the leadership force of the local church. Pray that they would be people who know God, as well as His will and His ways. Pray they would be people who would stand by their convictions; live with courage, speak truth, extend grace and show love. Pray they would be guided by the Holy Spirit in all manner of circumstances; and exercise wisdom and discernment as they live and lead. May the power of God supersede all efforts and conversations to do and have an effective ministry. Pray God would prepare hearts, that people would receive what they need from Him, rather than what they think they need from society or government.

For God extended grace
Before He showed His wrath.
Always has; always will.
To the testament of His hope and glory
That all would call upon His name.

- PNC