A. The great tragedy in the Church today is that we do not fully occupy our rightful place in this world, living ordinary lives instead of being “heirs and co-heirs of Jesus Christ.”

The old argument from Scripture that we are “not of this world” does not permit or excuse us from allowing the children of the Living God to be less than we can be. On the contrary, since we do not belong to this world, we need to transcend this world and even prosper in it.

“Therefore, brothers, we are debtors; To live according to the flesh and not according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the flesh, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. For you have not received the Spirit of new fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ; If we truly suffer together, let us also be glorified.”—Romans 8:12-17 (NKJV).

We have allowed the world to dictate how we should live and when we can speak up. It is time for you and me, ordinary men and women, to take our rightful place in this world as those who trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation. Despite what the world says, despite what politicians want us to think, it is time for us to start claiming what is ours, our heritage and legacy. It’s time for us to start talking about who we are as brothers and sisters in Christ. If we truly are not ashamed, it is time to live our lives as if we were not ashamed of our relationship with God.

For too long the world has been shaping the Church; We, who had access to the all-powerful Holy Spirit, stood timidly. The Great Good News is that Jesus conquered the world, we must go forward and occupy the conquered world for Him. This is our birthright, our heritage and our Christian duty.

Pastor Bobby Thornhill is a retired pastor.