Standing for God in a Pagan Culture

There was a time in the United States of America when, perhaps because of our Judeo-Christian foundation, there was higher church attendance and a stronger belief in God. But those days are far behind us. Most people really have no understanding of Scripture. And I don’t think most Americans have even heard the gospel proclaimed accurately.

That’s why I feel a burden to bring the gospel to the United States. We’re called to the pagan culture of this nation and to the world. By using the word pagan, I don’t mean it in a malicious way. I mean it in a descriptive way. I’m describing people who believe in anything and everything but the right thing.

When Moses was called to the pagan culture of Egypt, he had a number of excuses as to why God shouldn’t send him, including this one: “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me?” (Exodus 4:1 NLT).

The Lord said, “What is that in your hand?”

“A shepherd’s staff.”

“Throw it down on the ground.”

So Moses threw the staff to the ground, and it became a snake. The snake, particularly the cobra, was a symbol of Egypt. In effect God was saying, “I’m more powerful than the snake. I’m more powerful than Egypt. And I’m more powerful than Pharaoh.”

Then God told Moses to take hold of the snake by the tail. The modern vernacular might be: “Take the tiger by the tail. Don’t be intimidated.” Now, you never grab a snake by the tail because it will turn and bite you. But Moses picked it up, and the snake became a shepherd’s staff again (see verses 2–3).

Like Moses, we have been commissioned by God to represent Him to a pagan culture. God isn’t looking for good speakers; He’s looking for obedient servants.