Involuntary Unities #2 - Wednesday, January 7

Most nations decree that a child born within their borders automatically becomes a citizen and/or subject of the nation’s government. Since the nation’s reputation attaches to its citizens and vice versa, it is in the interest of responsible governments to make provisions for the health, education and standard of living of its population.

Such nations enact laws compelling school attendance, administering vaccinations and immunizations, defining parental responsibilities, creating health programs which care for the poor, disabled and dying, managing retirement records and benefits, prosecuting, convicting and incarcerating criminals, making and maintaining roads, keeping records of deaths, marriages, divorces and births, settling disputes between citizens, maintaining reasonable security, safety and rescue personnel, and encouraging industry and technology to employ citizens,
collecting heavy taxes from both to support all of the above and more – much more.

There are other nations. Most of them would gladly expand the benefits and advantages described above for their own citizens, but because of predation or domination by remote and powerful nations, disease, disasters, wars, climate challenges, corruption, famine, drought, market changes, ancient treaties, low population literacy, limited natural resources, landlocked borders, disputed borders, aggressive neighboring nations, low fiscal resources, limited access to credit, competition for grants or economic assistance – some, or even all of the challenges mentioned prevent or delay economic progress, and result in discouragement, pessimism, and resentment.

It is unfortunate, but not surprising that some nations have policies with the goal of eliminating Christianity – not only within their borders, but in every place that they can use terror, beatings, beheadings and destruction to convert or kill Believers. Matthew 24:6-12, contains Jesus’ warning: “You will hear of war ---but see to it that
you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation ---. There will be famine and earthquakes in various places. --- All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated of all nations because of me. At that time many will turn from the faith and will betray and hate each other and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”
 
So – when you understand Seventh Day Baptists have been beaten for their faith, and you understand our World Federation or Missionary Society might be able to help, what do you think you should do?

As I write this (September, 2014), Christians are beaten and killed because of their faith; tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, eruptions, famine and drought occur. Will your heart grow cold, or will you pray? Father, as I see others suffering, give me a discerning heart, that you will guide my giving of time and treasure. Let me not turn away from them, but give liberally and gladly, encouraging others to do the same. Amen

Today: Pray for Christians and SDB brethren in Australia, New Zealand and all other new fields in that region.