I just got back from a wonderful time with old friends — and “wonderful” might be an understatement. It was a blast. But somewhere between the laughter and the catching up, something else became impossible to ignore: we have grown into vastly different people, despite starting from the same place. So what happens when an atheist, a Muslim, a progressive, and a Christian walk into a bar? Apparently, a really good time — and the setup to a joke.
The world has an agenda to destroy your peace and tear you away from the familiar warmth of your Creator. Even the hardened atheist feels a warmth when the image of a loving Father Almighty is painted. But all of that can be swallowed up by an ungrateful world filled with pride and selfishness.
We struggle every day with an internal battle between good and evil. If we surround ourselves with good, we are more likely to lean toward it. But if we surround ourselves with evil, we will choose what comes naturally in that environment — and goodness will feel foreign and unnatural. Try shouting “I love you!” to someone who just cut you off in traffic.
To illustrate, let me share a little more about my time with these long-lost friends. Among many things, we talked about religion being antiquated, living life to the fullest because we only have one life to live, shedding inhibitions because they hold us back, and allowing people to express themselves and be whoever they want to be. On the surface, these statements may seem harmless, but as Paul warned us, they can be deeply misleading.
‘33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” ‘
-1 Corinthians 15:33
Secular statements are often incomplete, and while they are sometimes borrowed from Biblical truth, they can be lost in translation when stripped of their source. They are man-made constructs that attempt to replicate peace, happiness, and fulfillment. As Christians, we know this will never truly succeed when God is not at the center of our existence.
’32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.’
-Matthew 6:32-33
While I was with my friends, I could not help but feel the pull. The Holy Spirit kept nudging me to stay on the straight and narrow. This was my chance to be the light I am commanded to be — and there I was, faltering. I kept pleading for our Lord to stay close, but He felt far away. Even I wanted to distance myself from those conversations. I missed my brothers and sisters in Christ. I felt my mind being bombarded by ideas untethered from Biblical truth — a defiance of everything good and a rush toward everything that leads to the unraveling of it.
And then I began to wonder about my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who refuse to go to church or stay connected with their community of believers. What happens to them over time? We are called to be members of the Bride of Christ — not for His benefit, but for our own protection. Our minds come under attack when we isolate ourselves from those who praise the Lord through everything, good and bad.
When prisoners are taken captive, they are isolated and broken down — that is a classic warfare tactic. Satan is a master at this. Stay alert and stay with your tribe. My word of caution: read the Bible regularly and remain part of a community that will lift you up and praise God at the drop of a hat. This will equip you to spread the good news with confidence and joy.
“While I live I will praise the Lord;
-Psalm 146:2
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.”
Dear God,
All glory be Yours now and always. Praise You for creating this amazing world that You freely gifted us, experiences and love that You showered on us. Let me praise You with every breath I have. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.