Practical Deism (Zephaniah 1:12)

Zephaniah 1:12 –

At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps,
and I will punish the men
who are complacent,
those who say in their hearts,
‘The Lord will not do good,
Nor will he do ill.’
.

In Zephaniah 1, God is predicting his wrath which will be displayed on the coming Day of the Lord. That Day will be a day when God sets right all that has been wrong with humanity and creation. He will punish evil doers and give rest to those under his grace.

Of note to me, as I read through this passage, was verse 12. Notice that God will not only punish those who were actively evil. God’s wrath will also be poured out on those who might think themselves neutral. Those who would say that they do not believe that God does anything good or bad, they are in just as much danger as the idol worshiper or atheist.

Now, if you are reading this, you are likely in quick agreement with the thoughts so far. It probably seems like an easy reminder for you, not to mention a good tool for you to use in sharing the gospel with complacent friends; and in fact, these things are true. However, there is something that truly struck me as I read this passage: We must avoid living a “practical deism.”

Deism, as you probably know, is a belief that goes something like this: God created the world and set it in motion, but now does not interfere with its operation. As Christians, we reject the notion of deism with all our might as false, ungodly, completely unscriptural. However, I am not expecting any of us to admit deism. What I fear is that many live a practical deism. A practical deism would be a person who says with their lips that they believe God to be active in the affairs of the world, but who does not actually expect him to make any difference. You will recognize a practical deism in your own life by a lack of prayer, a lack of God-thought in non-religious times, or severe worry when things go badly. Practical deists will attend church services regularly, but will not actually make major life changes Monday through Saturday. These supposed believers are all for religion in general, but are not willing to let this take over their lives. They do not want to be “fanatics.” They do not want to risk their health or comfort on the foreign mission field. They give what they can afford, nothing more. They serve when it is convenient. A practical deist might teach a Sunday school class or sing in the choir. Simply put a practical deist will lack passion for or fear of God in daily life.

Examine yourself. Are you a practical deist? Do you find yourself living as though God will neither do good or ill? Do you say the right words, but in actuality live as though God is simply watching us from a distance? If so, look back at Zephaniah 1:12. God will not tolerate such a life. The Lord has very strong things to say about those who declare him to be inactive in the world. And, if we are honest, many of us declare God to be a non-factor in the world’s affairs by the way that we live, the way that we pray, and the way that we think. Don’t let your willingness to sign off on a good doctrinal statement convince you that you are not living a practical deism.

Lord, I acknowledge here and now that you are active in the affairs of man. There is no sphere over which you do not exercise complete control. You are sovereign. You are Lord. Your will shall be done. You reign on high. You work all things for your ends. I pray that you will remind me again and again that you are active in every aspect of life every moment of life. Let me never slip in to a secular thinking, no matter what day of the week it is. Let me never slide into a practical deism. I believe that you reign. I know that you rule over all things. I trust you, and desire to live a life that declares your glory for all the world to see.