It is easy to make comparisons between the current state of our society and the ongoing narrative of Christianity being pushed out of the public square. Society has thrown out many of the Christian values which have woven the very fabric of humanity and decided to set up shop selling cheaply crafted morals. This has bled society dry of its heart. Crime is high, terrorism is rampant, suicide is normal and divorce recommended. You don’t need to be a Christian to agree that the future looks grim and seemingly hopeless (if it were to keep playing out the same way).

It is essential we let society know that there is a large global remnant of Jesus followers, with a knowledge of societies founding values, a strong passion to ensure they are never forgotten, and a desire to believe for more in the future. More compassion, more humility, more kindness, more love, more hope and more of Jesus in society.

Being a Jesus follower may push us to the edge, but we don’t have to be pushed out. Sure we may be in unusual and unique situations, feeling penned in by pressures to conform. Sure the costs associated with faith may rise, but this should not stop us from believing, sharing and declaring that hope is well and truly alive.

In fact, our unwavering trust in Jesus, despite odds and opposition will itself declare loudly to a hopeless world that “Hope Still Lives Here!”

John 8:12, reminds us that when we walk in the light of Jesus, that we ourselves will carry that life-giving light (the hope that others see). Let’s be beacons of love and safe havens of hospitality in a world void of true love and hospitality. Let’s be the rare smiles, meaningful conversations and long hugs to those used to angry faces, shallow conversation and cold shoulders. Let’s continue to live on mission and do all we can to show the world that hope still lives here, and His name is Jesus!