There are a few times when the question “How then?” occurs in the Bible. In Job 25:4, for example, one of Job’s three “miserable comforters,” Bildad, reasons: “How then can a man be justified with God?” And in Gen. 39:9, after Joseph is tempted by Potiphar’s wife and remembers how his master has trusted him with everything in his household, he asks: “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
These dilemmas made me think of the late Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984), an American evangelical theologian, philosopher, and pastor. In an early book, How Should We Then Live?, Dr. Schaeffer dealt with “the flow to history and culture, pulling together the essential problems of our world, demonstrating our cultural development,” and offering “a sharp wake-up call for Christians.” After some heart-probing meditation on this deep subject, I came up with an outline which, for what it is worth, I share with readers.
As believers, we should live:
• In the light of eternity, not time. “With eternity’s values in view, Lord….”
Col. 3:1,2; Matt. 6:19
• In faith, not in fear. “Only believe, only believe; all things are possible only believe.”
Josh. 1:9; Ps. 27:1; Ps. 118:6; Luke 17:5
• In light, not in darkness: “Stepping in the light, stepping in the light….”
Eph. 5:8; Matt. 5:14-16
• In hope, not in despair. “My hope is built on nothing less….”
Lam.3:21-24; Titus 1:2; Ps. 119:114,116
• In courage, not in cowardice. “Dare to be a Daniel, dare to stand alone….”
Josh. 1:7; Eph. 6:10
• In victory, not defeat. “Oh glorious victory that overcomes the world.”
I John 4:4; I Cor. 15:57
• In the Spirit, not in the flesh. “Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.”
Gal. 5:16
• In trust, not trembling. “Only trust Him, only trust Him; only trust Him now….”
Ps. 56:3; Provs. 3:5,6
• In the Word, not in the world. “The B.I.B.L.E.—yes that’s the book for me….”
I John 2:15-17; John 17
• In duty, not doubting. “Work for the night is coming…..”
Romans 14:23b
• Expecting tribulation, not ease. “Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds….”
John 15:17-20
Any one of you could add to this basic list of priorities for believers today; and you can add a lot of meat to the bones, especially scriptures that speak to each point. This is just intended to challenge all of us to consider “how then” we should live in this world, in which Satan’s influence—as the “god of this world”—has so much sway over the nations in this moment. John warned first-century readers in his first epistle that “it is the last time.” (I John 2:18) It still is, but the spiritual warfare has only intensified with each passing year.
So, contemplate and meditate on how one should live in this present evil age. May your resolve be strengthened, your vision sharpened, your surrender cemented, and your hope heightened as you face each day—working, watching, and waiting for that blessed promise to be fulfilled: “I will come again to receive you unto myself, that where I am ye may be also.” (John 14:1-6) Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (II Tim. 3:1)