The Commercial Appeal

Christian duty is to speak truth in unbelievin­g world

- FROM THE WRITINGS OF THE REV. BILLY GRAHAM This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.

Q: The culture wars are destroying our homes, our schools, and even our places of worship. Why does today’s culture seem okay with fighting everything good while the same people condemn Christians for fighting everything that is bad, namely sin? Are we wrong for taking such stands? — F.S.

A: Christians understand the world is embroiled in the battle between right and wrong,. “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness” (Isaiah 5:20). Christian responsibi­lity is to speak truth in the midst of an unbelievin­g world. When God’s people speak the truth from Scripture, it does offend. Some Christians may do this in the wrong spirit, but God’s truth remains and God Himself will fight our battles. But this does not mean that Christians are to be silent when society assaults the Word of God. We must take a stand in light of God’s truth. It is important to understand that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principali­ties, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

The battles on Earth are far less than what is taking place in the heavenly realm known to God. But on Earth, he empowers his people to be strong and to put on the armor of God. We need to take up the shield of faith and stand on Biblical truth and be the light of Christ that shines through the darkness of a sin-sick world. Just as the American military fight to protect the nation’s freedoms, God’s people ought to fight for his truth because it is the only hope that mankind has to live in freedom for eternity.

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