O Lord, How Long?
by Doy Moyer
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
The world makes us weary as we constantly battle, attempting to coerce us to bow to its cultural idols. With a cultish mentality, the world takes on a persona that tells us what we are supposed to think and who we must accept at the threat of cancellation and public humiliation. We are asked — no, told — to deny objective reality for a subjective version based on feelings and personal desires. We may have a conscience only insofar as it matches what the societal gods demand. We must accept the redefinitions and deconstructions in the name of culturally defined love, while acknowledging that we must remain silent about our own faith. We dare not slip up or speak our minds contrarily, else the cultural guardians will bring down the hammer, and, in this world, there is no grace or mercy to be offered or received. Put up and shut up, or the wrath of the cult will bully you to your knees. It’s constant. It’s expanding. It’s wearisome. Many have given in and joined the world’s agenda, and with Habakkuk, we cry out, “O Lord, how long…?”
What do we do? Don’t quit doing good, Paul says. We understand there is a battle for the mind and that we are to stay prepared (Ephesians 6:10-12). Our answer is to stand for Christ, knowing that His kingdom is not of this world and does not advance by means of carnal tactics and violent aggression. All thought is to be brought under subjection to Christ, not an earthly ruler, a worldly president, or another agenda-driven political party. Our swords are beaten into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks (Isaiah 2:2-4). Yet the word of the Lord has gone forth, and its power is not to be underestimated because it is tied directly to God (Hebrews 4:12-13). We know it will be opposed. We know it will be mocked. But we seek to do what is right anyway, unashamed of the gospel by which we are set free and reconciled to God and our true purpose. Truth matters, and we dare not compromise it.
In due season we will reap. It may not feel like it today or tomorrow, but patience and endurance are staples of the child of God. The numbers seem to be against us. The tidal wave of sin and culture seems unstoppable. However, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (II Kings 6:16). Show godly love. Do good to all. Seek peace, and know that the Lord brings victory, “for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (I John 4:4).
