DEVOTION//Fulfill your ministry
The headline said, "Majorities in emerging economies connect belief in God and morality."
The good news here is that people living in emerging economies "tend to be more religious and more likely to consider religion to be important in their lives."
But people living in advanced economies do not share that belief. When people from emerging economies and advanced economies were lumped together (this created a total sample size of 38,426 people from 34 countries), the Pew Research Poll found that "a median of 45% say it is necessary to believe in God to be moral and have good values."
Fewer than half of the people surveyed believed that faith in a god (Christians, Jews, Muslims, and others were surveyed) is required if people are to live moral lives.
The Spirit’s warning
The Spirit warned about these days. "There will come a time when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, because they have itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in line with their own desires. They will also turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths" (2 Timothy 4:3,4).
The Spirit also has directives for those of us who live in these times. His directives do not include wringing our hands because the number of Christians is declining. He doesn't encourage us to complain about how evil our world has become. His directives do not include mourning for the good old days when life seemed better.
The Spirit’s directive
The Spirit says to us, "As for you, keep a clear head in every situation. Bear hardship. Do the work of an evangelist. Fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5).
In other words, don't lose sight of why God has put you on the planet at this time. Don't be distracted. Don't be misled. Don't be consumed by the persecution and unfairness that comes with following Jesus. Rather continue to share the gospel with those who are enslaved by Satan. The Savior who has forgiven all your sins, who shepherds you through life, and who has prepared a place for you in heaven has sent you on a disciple-making mission. Live out your gratitude for his grace. "Fulfill your ministry."
Prayer
Holy Spirit, as faith in your truth erodes, move us -- for Jesus' sake -- to redouble our efforts to share that truth with more people in our world.