THE WORLD IS IN A MESS — SO WHERE DO WE STAND?
You don't have to look very far to see a world that seems increasingly uncertain.
War, division, distrust, anger and fear dominate so much of what we see and hear. In some places Christianity is declining; in others, Christians face hostility or persecution simply because of their faith.
But perhaps we should not be surprised.
Christ never promised His followers an easy road. Scripture repeatedly speaks of difficult times, of faith being tested ... moreTHE WORLD IS IN A MESS — SO WHERE DO WE STAND?
You don't have to look very far to see a world that seems increasingly uncertain.
War, division, distrust, anger and fear dominate so much of what we see and hear. In some places Christianity is declining; in others, Christians face hostility or persecution simply because of their faith.
But perhaps we should not be surprised.
Christ never promised His followers an easy road. Scripture repeatedly speaks of difficult times, of faith being tested and of the need to remain steadfast when the world around us appears to be travelling in another direction.
For me, that raises an important question as I continue my own journey with the Templars:
**What does it mean to defend the faith in the twenty-first century?**
Surely it cannot simply mean looking backwards to swords, castles and battles.
Perhaps today's defence begins somewhere much more difficult — **within ourselves**.
Having the courage to say that we are Christians.
Standing by our beliefs without hatred towards those who believe differently.
Protecting those who are vulnerable.
Serving rather than demanding to be served.
Speaking when something is wrong, but having the wisdom to do so with dignity.
And refusing to allow fear, anger or the noise of the modern world to separate us from Christ.
The original Templars lived in extraordinarily turbulent times. So do we, although our challenges are very different.
Our weapons today should be Faith, truth, compassion, courage and service.
The world may change around us.
Our responsibility is to make sure our faith does not change with it.
Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed Nomini Tuo da gloriam.
