Keeping Things in Perspective

​In a culture that is increasingly becoming post-Christian, it can sometimes be difficult to adhere to our biblical convictions.  There was once a time when believing that marriage is between one man and one woman, that adultery is dishonorable, that abortion is wrong, that homosexuality is immoral, that prayer in public schools is good was the norm rather than the exception.  Today, those who hold to Christian moral values find themselves in the minority and more frequently the target of ridicule.  However, regardless of the reasons, Christians being persecuted for their faith has always been the norm.  In Acts 5 we find the apostles in prison having been arrested for preaching the gospel and performing miracles.  Then in v.27ff. we read that the “high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.’  But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”  The apostles understood that although we are to respect those in positions of authority, we answer to a higher authority than any man or institution on earth.  This is because, as Peter goes on to say, “The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.  God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.”  In other words, in light what Christ has done for us and in light of what he was willing to suffer for us, how can we not proclaim the gospel and be willing to suffer for him?  How can we not be willing to live out our convictions and our faith?  If you are a believer in Christ, I pray the words of Peter will be your lifelong motto—"We must obey God rather than men.”