We Hold These Truths

This has been a good year for me.  I finished up 30+ years of wonderful ministry in the Philippines.  I’ve had quality time with my family.  I’ve not yet had any serious symptoms from my cancer.  I’ve had several opportunities to speak and share my testimony.  And God has graced me with His presence, His wisdom, and His joy.

But my guess is that most people are ready to see 2020 come to an end.  China Virus, Covid deaths, destructive riots, social distancing, frequent lockdowns, job disruptions, economic losses, election fraud, and so on. Could 2021 be any worse?  For me, I get to add stage 4 cancer recurrence and the likelihood that I won’t see another Christmas after this one.

Yet, things could be much worse.  I think about the Holocaust victims who were herded like animals and ushered into gas chambers, second century Christians who lived in cold dark caves hiding from an oppressive Roman government, Medieval Christians who were burned at the stake for their faith in Jesus, imprisoned modern-day church leaders who end their lives in Chinese labor camps.

I do have much to be thankful for.  I live in freedom without fear of oppression.  I enjoy a bounty of delicious foods.  I have a comfortable place to live with a modern kitchen and a bathroom with hot water.  I have my kids nearby.  I have great medical care.  I go to sleep each night in a comfortable bed.  Best of all, I have a relationship with the creator of the universe who graciously supplies me with daily doses of peace and joy.

It’s that last one that’s so important.  Regardless of our circumstances, we have a bounty of spiritual blessings that no suffering can take away.  Paul wrote his letter to the church in Ephesus while he was a prisoner.  The Roman government oppressed him.  His enemies tried to kill him.  Some of Paul’s closest friends deserted him.  The churches he helped start were struggling.  Yet, Paul starts out the letter with 7 things for which he was grateful.

 1. Before he was born, God chose Him to be, in Christ, holy and blameless.

2. Through Christ, he had been adopted into God’s family

3. God had lavished His grace upon him.

4. Through Christ, his sins had been forgiven and he was redeemed.

5. God had given Paul wisdom to know God and grace to do His will.

6. Because of Christ, Paul had an inheritance in heaven.

7. Through Christ, Paul had the power and counsel of the Holy Spirit.

Many of us can’t imagine life without a refrigerator, washing machine, computer, or memory foam mattress.  But imagine life without the above 7 truths.  Imagine death without them!  If Christ lives in you, then no matter how difficult life gets, we have these 7 beautiful blessings that no adversity can ever take away.  When you feel life is really bad, read through prisoner Paul’s first chapter of his letter to the Ephesians, and be encouraged!