Freedom From Religion

A few days ago I parked next to a red car with a bumper sticker that espoused love for “Freedom from religion.” For years, I have heard about the official organization of atheists by this name.

Here is what I would like to say to the owner of that car and everyone who would be inclined to purchase such a bumper sticker for their car: You do have freedom from religion in America. No one forces you to be Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, or anything in America. You are, in fact, free to be an atheist and even free to be evangelical in your atheism as your stupid bumper sticker indicates.

The framers of our Constitution, however, DID NOT guarantee “freedom from religion”, but rather “freedom of religion.” No nation can equally guarantee both. If you were to have your way, it would mean require our government to restrict my ability to express my religious convictions to ensure your freedom.

Since you don't seem to know much about our Constitution and don't appear to think very deeply on these matters, you may not know this: There are countries that offer you “freedom from religion”. Therefore, I respectfully suggest that you consider moving there. Perhaps you would be happier. But I doubt it.

The Devil's Schemes

In the little letter to the Ephesian believers, the Apostle Paul spoke of the “armor of God.” There he encouraged us to put it all on in order to be prepared to "stand against the devil’s schemes.”

Jesus identified the devil as “a liar”, in fact, “the father of lies.” The devil was the thief Jesus was thinking about as He said, “the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come that you might have life . . .”

This week, I found myself thinking about that lying thief and his sinster schemes. Here is what came to me: “The true thief, Satan, works in us to cause us to view the Creator – the Giver of ever good and perfect gift – as a thief. Thus, when he is successful, we resist full surrender to God out of fear of what He will take from us.” God is not denying things in my life because He wants to TAKE from me. He is not denying things in your life because He wants to TAKE from you. He wants to give us the best. Lord, You are my truth; deliver me from that liar.