Defending the Faith in a Changing World

Defending the Faith in a Changing World

In a world that seems to be rapidly shifting away from traditional Christian values, how can believers stand firm in their faith? This question becomes increasingly relevant as we observe the gradual erosion of Christian influence in Western society over the past several decades.

Rewind sixty years, and you'd find a very different cultural landscape. Sundays were widely recognized as a day of rest, not just by churchgoers but by society at large. Schools often began with devotionals and prayers. In many states, "Blue Laws" kept most stores closed on Sundays. Fast forward to today, and we see a stark contrast. Sunday mornings are now prime time for sports leagues and other secular activities. The Christian ethos that once permeated our culture has largely been replaced by a syncretic pluralism, where the prevailing attitude seems to be, "It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you're sincere."

This shift mirrors what John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, feared over two centuries ago. He warned that while the Methodist movement might continue to exist, it could become "a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power." His concern was that without vigilance, the vibrant faith of the early Methodists could fade into mere tradition.

So how do we, as modern-day believers, contend for our faith in this changing landscape? The biblical story of Gideon offers some powerful insights.

1. Remember: God Is with Us

When God called Gideon to defend Israel against the Midianites, His first words were, "The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor" (Judges 6:12). This assurance of God's presence is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. From Mary's encounter with the angel Gabriel to Jesus' promise to His disciples, "Lo, I am with you always," we are continually reminded that we are not alone in our spiritual battles.

Even in moments of silence, when we can't seem to hear God's voice, He is still present. As Oswald Chambers beautifully put it, "When you cannot hear God, you will find that He has trusted you in the most intimate way possible—with absolute silence, not a silence of despair, but one of pleasure, because He saw that you could withstand an even bigger revelation."

2. Recognize: God Is Sending Us

God didn't just assure Gideon of His presence; He also gave him a mission. "Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?" (Judges 6:14). In the same way, every believer is called to be a missionary in their own context. Whether at work, at a sporting event, or in a restaurant, we are sent as representatives of Christ's kingdom.

This calling echoes the early days of the Methodist movement. In a time when the established church was failing to reach the marginalized, Methodist lay preachers took the Gospel to "cot and mine and slum." Their mission was clear: "To reform the continent and spread scriptural holiness over these lands." Today, we inherit this legacy and are similarly sent to confront the godlessness of our age.

3. Trust: God Will Give Us Victory

When faced with the seemingly insurmountable task of defeating the Midianites, Gideon felt inadequate. He protested, "Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house" (Judges 6:15). But God's response was unwavering: "But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man" (Judges 6:16).

This promise of victory despite overwhelming odds is reminiscent of another biblical account in 2 Chronicles 20. When Judah was vastly outnumbered by an invading alliance, God assured them, "Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15).

How can we apply this to our modern context? The key lies in knowing what we believe and standing firm in our faith. As 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts us, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."

For Gideon, defending the faith came down to a simple act of obedience – lifting a torch and blowing a trumpet. With just 300 men, he routed the Midianite army. Similarly, our acts of faith, however small they may seem, can have far-reaching consequences.

Consider the story of Walter A. Criswell and his fellow soldiers who defended the island of Corregidor during World War II. Their month-long resistance, which seemed futile at the time, played a crucial role in turning the tide of the Pacific war. As one historian noted, "They may have lost the battle, but thanks to their defense the Allies won the war."

In the same way, our steadfast defense of the faith, even when it seems ineffective, can have a profound impact on the spiritual battle for our culture and world.

As we face the challenges of our time, let's remember these key truths:

1. God is with us, even in the silence.
2. We are sent as representatives of Christ's kingdom.
3. Victory is assured, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

The battle for the soul of our nation and world is ongoing. Recent events have revealed the depth of division and bitterness in our society. But like Gideon, we are called to arm ourselves for this spiritual battle.

What simple act of faith is God calling you to today? How can you defend the faith in your sphere of influence? Remember, you may not see the immediate outcome, but God isn't finished with the story yet. Your faithfulness today could be the catalyst for a spiritual awakening tomorrow.

Let us stand firm, armed with the truth of God, ready to give a reason for the hope within us. For in defending the faith, we not only preserve our own spiritual vitality but also shine a light that can guide others to the transforming power of Christ.