How Dare You?

What does it mean to dare someone? Well, Noah Webster’s definition sums it up well:

To challenge; to provoke; to defy; as, to dare a man to fight.

I have noticed of late that our culture seems to be working overtime, daring Christians to put up or shut up. Whether it is mandating medical procedures and practices antithetical to the Christian faith, or limiting the free expression in the public square of those who proclaim the rule and reign of Jesus Christ, the message seems to be, “Show me what you’ve got!”

Many professing believers seem to think the highest good is to be nice, blend in, and do not make waves. Rather than win people to the cause of Christ, such attitudes embolden them to continue to see how far they can take things. From drag queen story hours, to boycotting businesses that support Biblical principles, to establishing civil jurisdictions where people are forbidden to use certain words that are offensive to tyrants, those who hate the Lord, and refuse to be ruled by Him, continue their attempts to transform our nation 180 degrees opposite from its origins and foundations.

This reminds me of the account in 1 Samuel when Goliath mocked the Israelites because they were too afraid to challenge him. It is noteworthy that the one who felled the giant was not someone with great political power or impressive physical stature. Nor was he content with the enemies of God setting the rules of engagement. No, David, the shepherd boy, livid that anyone would dare to challenge the living God, took the tools that were right before him and used them to fell the giant.

While David gathered smooth stones, and only needed one, we also have very effective weapons to deal with God’s enemies. Psalm 127 identifies these as the children of believing families. These arrows must be sharpened and prepared for use. Thus, the primary arena for this preparation is the Christian family where an education centered on the law-word of God is the focus and priority.

I don’t know about you, but I am sick and tired of the dares that continue to be thrown at the people of God. Chalcedon is committed to turn the tables on such arrogance and equip self-governing Christians to stand up to the despotic bullies of our day. By educating ourselves, our offspring, and those the Lord places in our path, to fear God and keep His commandments, we will put our opponents on notice that we don’t find their authority legitimate, and as far as our households are concerned, we will serve the Lord. To paraphrase our David, our forebear in the faith who stood against the giant of his day,

You come against us with laws and oppressive mandates to silence and marginalize us, but we come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into our hands, and we’ll strike you down and cut off your head … All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.

Taken from the January 2020 issue of our bi-monthly Arise & Build printed newsletter. Receive your subscription to this newsletter along with our bi-monthly Chalcedon Report all for just $20/year. Click now to subscribe.