I was sick yesterday and failed to write a post for Religious Freedom Day, which is January 16th. Although late, I wanted to recognize this important day.
Freedom of religion is one of our most significant freedoms, and we must stand up for it in a time when “separation of church and state” is predominant. Church and state should be separated in that there should be no state religion or laws favoring one religion. However, all people should be able to worship as they choose and to stand up for their faith when freedom is threatened.
No one who believes in the sanctity of life should be forced to pay for abortions. No one who believes that marriage is between one man and one woman should be forced to participate in a same-sex wedding, whether it be providing a venue, baking a cake, or creating flower arrangements. No one who chooses to dress in a distinctive way or eat or avoid certain foods should be forced to dress or eat in a way they find offensive.
Lord God, thank You that I have the freedom to pray to You publicly as well as privately. Thank You that I can turn down editing projects if the subject matter is not in keeping with Your Word. Please let our religious freedoms continue in this country; don’t let people on crusades for rights for special interest groups prevail in taking away our freedom to follow Your will. Lord, we pray for those countries where there is no religious freedom, places where people are killed for believing anything other than the state-mandated belief system. Open the doors of freedom to them. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.