“But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.” (Ephesians 5:13)
The world will mock a fallen, disgraced Christian, but they will never feel threatened by him. What they fear and hate most is the light of a true disciple. The true worshipper of God is a rebuke to those who are in darkness. These hate the idea that another should dictate what they do. Wearing the yoke of another is preposterous. The words of Christ, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” is an affront to their creed. The concept of submission is an abomination.
There is a winnowing going on right now among those that name the name of Christ that will increase until all that can be shaken will be shaken. To escape reproach and persecution many will seek to hold on to a faith which is unoffensive to the world. The world is laying out the terms for our faith. They are monitoring our spirit and speech. There are certain positions that are unacceptable to them. If, according to their definitions, we are not more tolerant, open-minded, and loving, we become their arch-enemy. If we will soften, stop judging, and come to their “light,” we can co-exist with them.
The defection has already begun. A “kinder, gentler” Christianity that passes muster with the world has arisen and will only grow in popularity. In many ways it will look like the “old” faith, but it is an imposter. The very heart and soul of the faith has been gutted. It is darkness pretending to be light.