1 Timothy 2:5-6 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time.

Christian monotheism, that is, that Jesus Christ is the only Savior, is taught throughout the New Testament, and actually can be found in the Old Testament as well. This is of course a major affront to anyone who denies Christ and/or claims another deity. However, Christians are not known for killing apostates, but rather mourning them. Few Westerners want to acknowledge that Islam actively teaches, and in several countries practices, the killing of apostates. From the standpoint of the Koran, it’s no sin to kill an infidel. Nothing could be further from the core of Christianity. The widely recognized value of the sanctity of life stems directly from the Bible, and comes ultimately down to the fact, stated here, that every human being is someone for whom Christ gave His life. The devil does all he can to counter that. Demonically influenced individuals, organizations, and governments show little regard for the sanctity of life or the inherent dignity of each human being. That is why each believer must be on their guard against such influences. It is clear today to any objective observer that the nations, organizations, and individuals who are most effective in compassion are Christian. Sadly, many are fooled into thinking that hand-out programs that destroy dignity and initiative are compassionate, when such are actually deceptions. Christ died for everyone, but each individual still has the responsibility to acknowledge and submit to Christ.

This is of course highly topical, in every sense of the word. The world today is filled with governments, organizations, and individuals that, to one degree or another, deny Christ and thus devalue human life and dignity. It doesn’t take five minutes of watching the news to be reminded of that. However, this knowledge has to be applied in the local setting, and that’s where my focus should be. It is very easy to get stirred up as I hear of how governments and organizations are cooperating with the devil, but I am responsible for how I listen and submit to God on a moment-by-moment basis. If I am not focused on God myself, I will be thoroughly ineffective in leading others to open their hearts to Him. It is tempting to get up on a soap box and rant about all that is going on in the world, but that would accomplish little if any good. Rather, I need to be obedient to the first and second commandments, as Jesus expressed them, (Matthew 22:37-40) loving God with all that I am and loving my neighbor as myself.

Father, what I’ve written seems somewhat jumbled this morning. That’s symptomatic of the jumbled state of the world today. Help me be clear in my devotion and obedience to You, loving and valuing those around me because of Your love for me and for them, so that as many as will may repent of ignoring and rejecting You and receive the full salvation that You provided in Christ, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!