As business people, we tend to get so busy that we forget that we are “spirit-filled”. Satan’s plan is for us to maintain our busy state, so that we give little or no time to prayer which is our most effective, formidable weapon against fear. Prayer, in faith, is our protection against all manner of evil that may present itself in any form. Prayer works for those who believe in their salvation in Christ Jesus, walk in power of God, and call out His name in time of trouble.

Now is not time for doubt. Now is not time for hesitation. Now is not time to succumb to taunts and threats of evil that surrounds us like a roaring lion about to devour its prey. Faith is now. By seeking mercy of God in all we do, we activate shield of protection against warfare that has been waged against us. We can then continue to run our businesses, plan and attend meetings, vote for our leaders, supervise our employees, send our children to school, and enjoy freedoms of this country provided for us these many years.

The Christian walk is daily. Sometimes it demands that we actively and regularly chart appropriate course of action we will take. There is no variety of “menu” selections. There is only one main course of action and that is obedience to God’s Word. No matter what challenge is presented, our response cannot be found in “gray” area of doubt and fear. Our only response comes from knowledge that we are actively walking in Faith now.

“In God We Trust,” is written on currency we exchange doing business everyday. Now, more than ever, we need to read and believe in its message, remove fear from its dwelling place in our hearts and replace it with faith. We need to step out on faith, through prayer, and believe in our hearts that on command by our prayers evil that has been loosed in heavenlies to reign terror upon this land has been bound and banished. We will, by power of our faith in almighty God, continue our normal business dealings with no fear because we know that we are children of King of kings, Lord of lords, Most High God. Our Father, “who art in heaven” will provide protection for His children. All we need do is seek Him, call Him by name, and then be still and know that He is God.

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When I point out wrongdoing, when I fail to approve a deviant lifestyle, or when I choose not to accept another’s brand of morality, I am awarded “insensitive” badge for my vest. Sew it on, for I cannot back off for fear of society’s punishment. I cannot water down or compromise my beliefs. I simply do not have that choice.

Which brings me to being downright annoying. Here I am, plodding through life wearing badges of my societal sins. Now that my status is known, I present a problem to enlightened ones. They know for what I stand and have to figure out how to avoid my bothersome beliefs. After all, my faith may awaken long-dormant notions of right and wrong in their own minds. Perhaps my presence will prompt them to walk down hallways of conscience, chancing upon old friends. Loyal but bothersome friends like virtue, truth and faith.

It’s kind of like inviting your loud Uncle Joe to your Christmas party. Protocol demands you tender an invitation, but you cringe at thought that he’ll regale your guests with stories from your childhood. Stories that are terribly embarrassing mainly because they’re all true. Having a guy like me around is equally troublesome. Someone might discover that what I profess to be true is actually just that.

Thanks to my Baptism, I bought into notion that God has standards which he established for a reason. He set bar at a challenging height. His Commandments, Beatitudes and Gospels are designed to continually fortify my intolerance and insensitivity toward sin. When I don’t live up to his standards, I am compelled to take responsibility for my failures. With utter disdain for my transgressions, I must humbly seek Reconciliation. In turn, God lavishes his mercy and forgiveness. In his goodness, however, God never relieves me of mandate to live rightly. I am continually reminded to,“...Go and sin no more.”

So, off I go in search of others who still like old-fashioned dictionaries. I look for those whom society deems intolerant, insensitive and annoying for their steadfast refusal to capitulate to culture. Those who still believe that God’s law is not negotiable. Those who understand that we cannot redefine our vocabulary to serve as a smokescreen for sin.

When a new term or a redefined old term comes along, I must ask key question: What exactly am I being asked to compromise? I must demand clarity. I must ask hard questions. I must not let my culture off hook with feel-good euphemisms. I must not allow myself to be manipulated. Too much is at stake.

I have already navigated minefields of political correctness, multiculturalism, diversity, alternate lifestyles and inclusion. With every one of these fancy terms, drilling down uncovered multitude of moral compromises buried in their meaning. None could stand scrutiny of my trusty dictionary.

I am unashamed of new badges on my vest. They tell an important story. By all means alert enlightened members of society. Have them strike my name from all party invitations. Delete me from their Christmas card list. Make sure they don’t include me in any important convention, meeting or event. After all, if I am included people might come over and check out my vest.