Thursday; February 19

I’ve got an interesting factoid for you:  on this date in 356 A.D. Constantius II ordered the closure of pagan temples and, thus, prohibited public access to them.  What a change from a Roman world that just a few centuries before this had embraced paganism to the point that it felt justified in persecuting Christians.  When you think about it within a modern context, it seems that distancing itself from paganism sounds pretty good doesn’t it – or does it?  Now, before we move forward, I must admit that I am happy that I live in a pro-Christian society.  Are there times when people treat us less than pleasant because of our beliefs?  Sure; but all-in-all, we are free to worship as we see fit and openly live our lives based on a belief in God.  However, we must be careful not to rely on a government’s backing to practice our faith.  I am sure that the Christians under Constantius II were happy for the change in policy, but righteousness cannot merely be based on the law of the land; it is something that must be personal. 

When Joshua was challenging the people during his latter years he declared, “Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14-16).  Governments and societal morays ebb and flow, so we must have our own personal conviction to do what is right and righteous.  Let’s enjoy the times we have the freedom to worship our God in our way, but let’s make sure that our dedication to Him is at the heart of our decision.  When we have an immovable foundation, we will be able to be faithful no matter which way the legal and moral winds blow.

Think About It!

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