[413 words]
In the history of the world, many nations have posed great danger to people who lived around them. In ancient times, Egypt, Assyria, Chaldea, Rome, and others were dangerous. In recent history, Germany, Japan, Russia, and China have been seen as dangerous.
However, the most dangerous “nations” are not earthly powers. They are spiritual forces.
Some things are abominations to God, for they pervert and destroy man spiritually. In Deuteronomy 18:9–12, Moses taught that idolatry and many practices of the occult were abominations. Solomon said seven things are an abomination to God: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet swift to run to evil, a false witness, and one who sows discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:16–19).
Many Christians are eternally ruined by contamination. They fall prey to worldliness—immorality, drinking, dancing, cursing, and gambling, for instance. They become spotted by the world (James 1:27).
Discrimination is a great danger to world peace and well-being. All people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27); in Christ all are of equal importance and value to God (Galatians 3:28).Why do some practice discrimination between rich and poor, young and old, male and female, black and white?
Some are defeated by termination. It may be that one becomes unhappy or upset with something in the local church such as family problems, disagreements among brethren, or hurting someone’s feelings. What happens? They terminate—give up church responsibilities, stop contributing, and quit attending. In the end, they become entangled and overcome by the defilements of the world (2 Peter 2:20–22).
As innocent as it looks, procrastination is a dangerous nation. One may
convince himself that he means well and will do better some day while completely dominated by this “nation.”
Denominations are dangerous because, while appearing beneficial, they divide believers in Christ into separate competing groups. Christ came to unite all in one body (John 17:20; Ephesians 4:4), the undenominational church of Christ (Romans 16:16).
Paul taught against this “nation,” say- ing there should be “no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
The ultimate danger to our souls is eternal CONDEMNATION. One day all will stand before God in judgment to receive eternal victory over these dangerous “nations,” or to be condemned because of them.
Darrell E. Beard