Society demands that Christians accept what the world has said is right and wrong over what the Bible has identified things as. Society has demanded that the homosexual lifestyle be accepted as an alternative lifestyle without even so much as a recognition that being a Christian and the Christian lifestyle is also an alternative lifestyle when compared to humanistic society. Society demands that abortion be considered as a part of a woman’s right to birth control with little regard to the innocent life it destroys; they wave the mantra of incest, rape, and woman’s life but refuse to accept the statistical data that shows that nearly 90% of all abortions in the United States are out of personal choice not to have a child rather than the three reasons they proclaim. When Christian heterosexual couples, such as the Dugers (of TLC’s show Sixteen Kids and Counting), have more than the societally accepted two children, they tell the couples how unreasonable or selfish they are or even how unfair it is to the children in such larger families.
In reality and as I have grown in faith, I have come to understand that more and more I need to rely simply on God rather than my own understanding. Even as a Christian, each one of us have to deal with the influence of the flesh. Even our judgment can be hampered and produce results that are off as we have our own prejudices and agendas rather than relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us in our decision-making. Again, the psalmist David, touches on this very issue: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalm 119:11) and TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word (Psalms 119:169). David, the man that was the father of the king known for his great wisdom, prayed and studied God’s word that he might not only understand God’s desires and will, but that he also would not knowingly transgress God’s law.
During Jesus’ earthly ministry, this same issue of conforming to the world was very much present in society. Jesus taught his disciples as its recorded in the gospels that 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). In other words, in all things, we need to accept God’s leadership and judgment rather than to allow ourselves to be conformed to the thinking and logic of this world. Even the apostle Paul wrote on this very topic for Christians during his day and for us now: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2). The call was made a long time ago – do we continue to conform to the world’s version of Christianity or do we reject this definition in favor of the standards set by God?
The biblical version of Christianity is starkly different than the social Christianity so many proclaim. Biblical Christianity not only means coming to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior as the beginning of your relationship with God, it also requires admitting something most people do not want to admit – you are a guilty sinner who stands in judgment for your actions and choices. It means taking responsibility for your own actions and repenting of those that violate God’s law but are seen as socially acceptable. It means refocusing your life on the things of God rather than focusing on the fleshly desires and dainties that the world has to offer. It means getting involved in the various outreaches and ministries of the local church. It means reading your Bible daily and allowing it to be your guiding measurement of your life. It means letting go of the world and all its treasures and grabbing hold of the cross, enduring hardships, and celebrating the love and blessings of Christ.
