In America we are in the midst of experiencing a monumental shift in the nation’s moral compass. At an ever quickening pace what was once considered vile is now honored. And what was once honored is now considered vile. As this pattern continues, believers may find themselves in harms way as identifying with Christ becomes less and less popular. If we look around the world at nations where belief in Christ is opposed, we understand that our Christian brothers and sisters suffer great persecution. Will we experience that here in America? Will we see that level of persecution in our lifetimes? Will we have to hide while the wicked strut about freely? Look at these words in Psalm chapter 12, verses 7 and 8 which says:
“O Lord, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever. The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.”
This verse is as true today as when it was written. When what is vile becomes that which is honored, the wicked will freely strut about. And as the tide continues to turn in our nation, I’m sure believers will feel what David felt when he wrote these words. Earlier in this chapter, in verses 1 and 2, David says:
“Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception.”
Even if you feel as if you are the only one left who honors the word of God, I encourage you to stand strong. It might be a good idea to examine your dedication to the Lord now; to decide what you might do in the event that our nation fully turns its back on God to the point where it seems that “godly men are no more”, as David puts it. If this happens, would you be willing to stand alone? I hope you would, and I hope I would too.
---
David prayed that the Lord protect him from those who are vile; those who openly sin and strut about with pride as their sins are honored by men. He laments that his world has turned dark with sin; that there are no more godly men and that everyone around him are liars and deceivers. We may not live in that world now, but we should know how we will respond if, some day, we find ourselves in that world. Yes, some vile acts are honored in our country. But at least, right now, people of God can be found, and we are still free to live out our faith. As things get darker, I pray that we, as believers, become the beacon of light; the light on a hill as the Bible describes. Are you willing to be that light? I encourage you to consider how far you are willing to go for the Lord.