Automatic Resistance

(Pro 28:4 KJV) They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

In this verse we are told to “contend” (strive NASB) (1624) with evil.  Jesus seems to be saying something different,

(Mat 5:39 KJV) But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

A couple of observations.  First, Jesus is talking about our personal response when someone takes advantage of us.  Solomon is talking about society as a whole.  I am not allowed the pleasure of lashing out at someone who has insulted me, I am to turn the other cheek.  At the same time I am to support people who believe in law and order and are willing to punish evil.

Second, The conflict with evil comes as an automatic result of following the law of God.  Thus when we say that homosexual acts are sinful we are attacked by our current culture.  We do not back down.  That puts us in conflict.  We have no other choice.  We don’t struggle because we are aggressive against them but because we are obedient to the will of God. 

How do we apply this in a nation that is trying to keep government and churches separate?  Here is where the use of the word “law” gives us a pointer.  The moral laws of God are usually agreed on by people of other religions.  The ceremonial laws apply only to Israel.  There is a lot of space for agreement here.

So?  We have our path laid out for us.  We are to follow it.  In some ways we will have great peace and security.  In other ways we will run counter to the culture we live in.  Resist and obey.