We have always been in this world but never of it. “Put no confidence in princes!” the Lord God commands our hearts. Just as our first Century brothers and sisters in Christ knew not to put their trust in silly Caesars who counted themselves as gods, so too we must learn not to put our trust in concepts of freedom, happiness, and even democracy abstracted from the true and living God!

From the beginning of time, God established marriage as a blessing for the human race. One man and one woman together would face the universe, holding hands. Yes, from the dust we were taken, but the added dignity of God’s breath in our first father Adam made all the difference. We were more than the animals which entered the ark two-by-two. We were made to image God in body and soul, not only personally but also mutually within the circle of the family home.

Now, five Supremes know better than the Lord! Many years ago, the highest court in the land pushed back against the 6th Commandment protecting life, so it comes as little surprise that they have done the same on the 7th. The majority ruling—penned by a Reagan man–warms only the heart of the irrational and post-modern. The prominent minority ruling—also penned by a Reagan man—is stunning in its sweeping insight and frightening in its future prospect. Unless Providence otherwise intervenes, we are lurching headlong as a society into inscrutable darkness.

What are the believers of Christ’s Church to do?

We have always been in this world but never of it. “Put no confidence in princes!” the Lord God commands our hearts. Just as our first Century brothers and sisters in Christ knew not to put their trust in silly Caesars who counted themselves as gods, so too we must learn not to put our trust in concepts of freedom, happiness, and even democracy abstracted from the true and living God! Have they not been twisted into idols served by false messiahs promising a false promised land?

What are we to do?

Well, we will do what pleases the Lord! With “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”, we will worship God with praise. We will reaffirm His 3rd Commandment, as a way of confessing all of our faith. We will cry out “Come, O Come, Thou Quickening Spirit”, confessing our sins and hearing His word of sure pardon in Christ. His Word will thunder, and we will proclaim redemption in Christ alone. Offering ourselves and our lives to Him in worship, we will find the strength to not despair but keep our eyes on Jesus. That what we shall do! And it will be good.

Duncan Rankin is Associate Pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Katy, Texas.