We live in a world that is full of unbiblical philosophies and practices, which have pervaded and deeply influenced societal thinking and attitudes. Our firm convictions and commitment to holiness are often viewed with contempt, scorn and even hatred! Jesus, being aware of the hostility that we will face in the world, has prayed for us: “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14-16).
Our faith in the truth of God’s Word will not only be tested and challenged, but will also be hated as well. Faithful Christians, be they adults, youths or children, all are facing many difficulties in society, schools and workplaces, simply because of their adherence to the doctrine of creation. The evolutionists would like to depict us as anti-scientific and irrational people. The tension that Biblebelieving Christians feel today is multi-faceted and very severe. The idea of atheistic evolution has crept into almost every academic discipline of our time and even our workplaces. Let us therefore be prepared to bear a bold and yet holy witness for the Lord. As Jesus has forewarned, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).
If you are taught evolution, it is not necessary that you walk out of the class immediately. You can listen attentively to what is being said, but with biblical discernment (cf. 1 John 4:1). If the lecturers are against Scripture, you must not subscribe to what is being taught, but reject it. Study the issue further in the light of Scripture through research and interacting with knowledgeable Christians. Of course, the matter of exams is, admittedly, a sensitive issue. Though exam is not about whether you believe what has been taught but rather about how well you recall the content taught, to reproduce what is being taught which is against your biblical convictions can be rather troubling to one’s conscience. It is like being pressured to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image to escape the fiery furnace (cf. Daniel 3:14-15). This undue desire to be acceptable to the scholarly (but godless) world runs counter to the biblical injunction to “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). We strongly advise that if your conscience is stifled or severely affected in taking such courses, then prayerfully consider pursuing another course of study. This is surely one application of biblical separation.
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Christians should exercise godly wisdom at all times to discern and to keep away from projects and works that compel you to compromise your faith. Be it research or project work, one needs to ensure that one keeps away from promoting unbiblical theories and philosophies. Do not be partakers of unbiblical endeavours! It is very evident that many unregenerate teachers in schools, colleges and universities attempt to brainwash Christians with their pseudoscientific arguments to deny the truths of Scripture. Please know that this is one of the devil’s subtle weapons against Christian youths. When such an effort is made against our biblical convictions, be “wise as serpents” and turn it into a witnessing event to explain to them and other Christian friends why the Bible is the truth and that they are in error. Never compromise your faith in the Biblical truths! Though the nonbeliever may not be concerned with the accuracy of the Biblical truths, whenever the opportunity presents itself, explain to him why his theory is scientifically flawed and that the evidence supports the Biblical facts.
As Christians, we must conduct ourselves in an honourable manner at all times. We should be “harmless as doves” and not foolishly disrupt the class to protest the teaching of the lie. We must act wisely in a cordial and peaceful manner as much as possible (cf. Psalm 34:14; Romans 12:18), showing submission to authority (cf. Romans 13:7; 1 Peter 2:17). If we have to be involved in discussions or debates, we must present our points logically and clearly. With the wisdom that God will give us (cf. Psalm 119:98-99), we are to refute the fallacies of the atheistic evolution worldview by presenting scientific evidence correctly in support of Biblical facts. But at all times, we must pray that we will be able to speak in meekness (cf. 1 Peter 3:15). Remember, arguments with non-believers who are set in their hearts against the Scriptures, will achieve very little.
On the other hand, if a Christian educator needs to mention evolution as a part of the curriculum, he must not hesitate to point out the fallacies of that theory. Thus, he must not miss that excellent opportunity to be “salt” and “light” (Matthew 5:13- 16) of the world, by pointing out the problems of lies attached to that theory. We must not miss such an opportunity to refute atheistic education. Show to your students why evolutionistic claims are not facts but myths, and thus are downright lies to discredit the Biblical account of Creation. The Christian educator, while explaining the evolutionary theories, must not be afraid to point out their fallacies. In academia, it is acceptable (and, in fact, expected) practice to challenge theories with substantiated arguments.
However, if in the event that we are forbidden to disprove widelyaccepted though unsubstantiated theories (in which case, the regulatory board is no longer regarded as upholding academic honesty), there is a clear bias in that educational institution. We then have to make a stand for God’s truth! Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). God will make another way for us, and He promises to take care of us (cf. Proverbs 3:5-6). May we be strengthened by the sterling words of testimony uttered by the ancient saint, Joseph – “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:20).
Dear Christians, we need to rise and shine for the Lord in this dark world of unbelief and ungodliness. Ephesians 5:11 reminds us to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” We are further exhorted: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17).