1st Kings 18:17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? 18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim. 21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
In this passage of scripture the prophet Elijah offers the people the freedom to choose whom they will serve, either The God of heaven, or Baal, the false god that was currently being worshiped. This freedom of religion has always been granted by God to every member of the human family, and should be respected in places high and low, even though at times, paganism and idolatry may exist at our very doorsteps. Buddhists, Atheists, Catholics, Jews, Mormons, baptists, Muslims, and seventh day Adventists should all be able to live on the same street, with each religion respecting the rights and freedoms of the others to practice according to the dictates of conscience. Although deep differences and fundamental disagreements may exist about the validity and beliefs of each religion, yet that God-given freedom must be respected and protected at all times and in all places, regardless of our personal convictions. Let's read:
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Because of the extreme views and actions taken by some in the middle east, there will come a very strong temptation to Christians living in the west to set up a global form of Christianity, to which all would be required to pledge allegiance. While the motives and efforts may initially be centered on national security, yet this course of action will inevitably lead to the ostracizing and marginalization of the few who may beg to differ. This temptation we must steadfastly resist, for according to the scriptures, there will always be those within Christian circles who will opt for the straight and narrow way, which involves the keeping of all of God's laws and commandments, and this system of belief will therefore put us at odds with any effort to establish a universal form of Christian religion. Let's read:
Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Let us therefore not permit satan to drive us to make laws that will ultimately restrict the freedom of religion, on account of what is taking place in other parts of the world, and right here at home. In other words, the proliferation of evil and religious extremism on the one hand, should not then cause us to respond in like currency, by enforcing our own brand of Christian values and moral standards, for the consciences of every member of the human family must be left untrammeled by external forces, regardless of good or bad intentions. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which teaches us the example of Christ in such matters, and it is the will of God that we be willing to follow where Jesus leads the way. Let's read:
Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!