But that was a long time ago.
Today society has changed. Certainly around here. It seems that some people are not content to just stand aloof from believers; but they get some pleasure in looking at them with disdain and ridicule. This is particularly noticeable on TV when often comedians or celebrities proudly announce that they don't believe in God and add a throw-away comment that to believe in "a bearded old man sitting on a cloud" is antiquated and people might as well believe in fairies or similar fantasies.
Gone are the days of live and let live, it seems. Today it is more fashionable to deride and ridicule anyone who believes in God and in doing so encourage and influence others to the same way of thinking.
If a politician over here publicly announced that he was a practicing Christian I doubt he would meet with much success. Any singer or other public figure known to be a Christian would be the subject of ridicule.
When I was young, I was taught at school that God is everywhere. Now I know this is not true.
God is only where He is allowed to be.
If a closed heart and mind denies the very existence of God, if a nation discourages God's influence in its affairs and in its thinking; then God, being a gentleman, will step aside and say: "All right, let your will be done!"
...a choice is a wonderful thing!
ReplyDeleteNot if you make the wrong choice, Tom.
DeleteGod bless.
Praying right this moment for those who deny that God exists will come to their senses. Wonderful excerpt from an amazing book, Victor. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Martha. Joining you in prayers.
DeleteGod bless you.
I know I shouldn't hang on to old grudges, but. Not that many years ago, our resort's second-in-command made the comment about guests attending Easter sunrise services: "Amazing how many people still believe in ghosts."
ReplyDeleteThat wounded me deeply, but. I wonder what God would think of my decision not to engage.
God understands your decision not to engage ... at the time. It would have probably lost you your job, and God would not be happy about that. He forgave you and you should not dwell on it; but rather use it as a lesson for the next time the opportunity arises for you to glorify God by your service. It suffices that over the years you have kept your faith and you have the courage to speak about it as you have just done.
DeleteGod bless you and love you always, Mevely.
It's the End Times.
ReplyDeleteWe should trust in God ... whatever the time!
DeleteGod bless, Sandi.
So sadly true, Victor. Too much ignorance and stupidity out there. People seem to believe they know everything when actually they don't know very much.
ReplyDeletePeople just don't want to believe any more.
DeleteGod bless, Bill.
So true, I agree with you!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, K. God bless.
DeleteLove and kindness always. ❤️
ReplyDeleteGod bless, CM.
DeleteIt's not easy to deal with such people, and I'm glad I don't have to most of the time.
ReplyDeleteAmen. God bless, Mimi.
DeleteRomans 1: 28 comes to mind often: "And according as they did not think good to have God in their knowledge ...". It suits mankind not to think of God; and God will judge that.
DeleteIndeed David, mankind has turned its back on God.
DeleteGod bless.
Yes, our society has changed as you have said. People are no longer satisfied to stand aloof and to live and let live.
ReplyDeleteBelievers need to up their game, so to speak, in behaving with the character of Christ. Of course, we can only do this with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Well said, Barbara. We Christians should proclaim our belief in God whenever we can.
DeleteGod bless you always.
What I am seeing is extremes in attitudes, my heart smiles when I am around someone that exhibits the attitude of our Lord. One that you know if you need them, they will be there for you.
ReplyDeleteLOve from here.
Sherry and jack Pray for my girl, she is exhibiting some soreness in her hips and legs that is not common to her. Thanks in advance my friend
Praying for Sherry right now, Jack. Also, praying for you and your family. God bless you all now and always.
DeleteYeah. Things have changed since my youth, over on my side of the Atlantic.
ReplyDeleteI'd prefer a more civil approach from and to everyone.
On the other hand, I grew up in a place where venom-spitting radio preachers and their - enthusiastic? - disciples did not encourage a show of respect from anyone who wasn't part of their (self-?) righteous circle.
In a way, I'm impressed at how many folks realized that Christianity wasn't a wholly-owned subsidiary of a particular American subculture.
Today's American attitude toward Christians and Christianity does remind me of another aspect of the America of my youth - and that's another topic.
On the other hand, I might not have become a Catholic, if those raving radio preachers hadn't started me looking for faith that made sense. Having sane parents helped. ;)
It is sad that attitudes towards Christianity and Christians have changed so much over the years. But God can take it. After all, He took all our anger and insults when hanging from a Cross.
DeleteGod bless, Brian.