But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15
Thinking back to high school and college football games, the chant, Hold That Line was and still is ever present. It was intended to give support to those defensive players who were attempting to stop the offense from making first downs, touchdowns, etc. I learned a lot about football just knowing that the chant is always used for the defense not the offense. As I watch our grandsons play, the chant is even more meaningful.
This chant is now proving to be one that Christians, churches, and all people of faith are being forced to use as we are now on the defensive. The secular world is enveloping us in the philosophy that religion needs to play no part in our society. If you attend church regularly, believe in the Bible, abide by the rules of your denomination, and try to live as Jesus did, you are made to feel as though you are the one who is wrong.
People seem to be offended by the subject of God, and they are quick to voice their objections. While the Christian community remains silent, the world is taking God out of the equation right before our eyes. It is considered politically incorrect to stand up for Jesus and His teachings.
What’s a Christian to do? Well, I am no expert, but it seems that there are a few common sense alternatives, and maybe we could start by asking ourselves a few questions. Do we know that under the constitution, freedom of religion is granted to all? Do we know our responsibility as Christians according to scripture? Do we know what the Bible says to us? Do we know what our denomination believes? Do we know what is happening in our denomination? Do we know what our own churches are doing to help us affirm our faith? If not, why not? The power of any organized religion can be found in the pew.
We can’t sit on the sidelines and chant Hold That Line if we are not willing to get involved, get off the bench, and declare “Put me in, coach” and use me to hold that line!