Gallup Polls and Mystery

In the last two weeks, Gallup published two disconcerting polls. The first shows that a belief in God in America is the lowest since Gallup started its polling. Of great concern is the 18-24 age demographic's belief in God is much lower than any demographic age group. The second poll shows that the global’ s citizens are the unhappiest and most stressed since Gallup started polling the world's mood.

Do you think the combination of the lowest belief in God and the highest measure of unhappiness is related?

Why mention these two polls in reading Ephesians 3:1-13?

Paul mentions the mystery of Christ, and the mystery of God and His plan (‘this mysterious plan’ v.9) revealed to Paul to unite Jews and the Gentiles as one, to establish the Church (universal). At that time, an unheard and unimagined possibility. Through Jesus Christ and His creation, God intended for the Church to make God's divine wisdom and Christ's 'unsearchable riches' [v.8] made known to humanity. Bringing together sinners from all corners of the world into a heavenly community of believers to carry out this mystery.

However…

Our post-modern culture hates mystery.

In his From My Study blog, Philip Eaton posted "A Tear." He writes, "we've been told we can, we must, measure everything in order for it to be believable. This is what we call philosophical materialism. It's part of the coffee we drink, the air we breathe. Anything beyond what we can touch, smell, hear, see is deemed subjective, therefore not really real. Mystery becomes derogatory."

The Gallup poll on the rising popular belief that God is not self-evident indicates people think they can construct a life of significance without the divine. And to ignore and not engage this mystery Paul mentions. The presumption is there are alternatives to a transcendent God and the God-given plans Paul received and revealed during his ministry. The primary choice today has become the age of self-determination.

But…

Christ's death and resurrection accomplished God's plan. Unbelievers cannot understand the profound truths of this mystery that believers gain through the Holy Spirit. As a result of Christ's accomplishments and our union with Him, the body of believers, as one, are the vehicle to boldly carry out God's plan ‘to make all see.’ [v.9]. To enlighten unbelievers regarding Jesus Christ and his saving grace available to all. And in accepting Christ as one's Savior, all believers with courage and confidence; therefore, can come into God's presence.

Instead of looking glumly at the Gallup polls, we need to see them as opportunities that await our courageous and confident witness and sharing the Gospel. After all, it's all part of God's mysterious plan revealed throughout the ages.

-Dan Nickel