Dear Friends,
Pilate asked. “What is truth?” John 18-38 (NLT) A wave of “secular relativism” has swept over our country, and truth seems to depend on what each individual recognizes as truth, with morality being defined by the moral standards of each individual. Is truth nothing more than a weathervane blowing in the winds of change, an abstract idea whose essence depends on the individual?
Like millions of Americans who have been following current events, I find myself repeatedly asking, “What is truth, anyway?” Those in positions of power seem to have their own understanding of the concept of right and wrong, and it’s hard to discern what, if any, standard they are using. If their perceptions become the standard for truth, how are we supposed to protect ourselves and our loved ones from trickle-down immorality?
Christians need to offer a clear standard and refuse to be complacent when that standard is challenged. Fundamentalists might say, “The Bible said it; I believe it, and that settles it!” A less confrontational response might be, “The Bible says it; I believe it, and that settles me.” Generations of Christians, have found that the Bible provides a firm foundation upon which to build their righteous standard.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Of course the foundation we build our standard upon is constantly under attack. Just as Eve was tempted by the serpent in the garden with the words, “Did God really say …,” the voices of secular humanism challenge the Bible because it is antithetical to lifestyles secularists promote. “If there is a God,” they question, “Why would he say that?”
Isaiah offers an answer, “How foolish can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you, the clay! Should the created thing say of the one who made it, “He didn’t make me”? Does a jar ever say, “The potter who made me is stupid”? Isaiah 29:16
In Deuteronomy, the Lord spoke about the importance of his Word. Those words from Deuteronomy are as relevant for Christians today as they were for the Israelites then. “’So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.’” Deuteronomy 11:16-19
In some sects of Judaism men wear phylacteries, small leather boxes containing Hebrew texts printed on vellum to remind them to keep to God’s Word. Many Christians find Post-It notes are an excellent alternative. As they read their Bible they look for verses that speak to specific areas of their life and write them on Post-it notes as reminders.
They also honor God’s instruction to teach their children by giving their children and grandchildren their own age-appropriate Bibles, and by showing them verses that support a strong moral and spiritual foundation. Philippians 4:8 is an especially important verse for teenagers and young adults. When they face moral dilemmas, evaluating their options based on the qualities listed in this verse can help them to make the right decision.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Unfortunately there is no sure-fire human defense against trickle-down immorality. We all are influenced by the world. We all make wrong decisions. The Good News is that once we make the decision to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we don’t have to fight the battle alone. As the verse below reminds us, we have a reliable guide to the truth.
Verse for the Week: “’If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.’” John 14:15-17a
Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 