Standing For Biblical Morality

“It can feel lonely to stand for Biblical morality in our radically secular culture,” observed Jim Denison, an American cultural apologist who comments on current issues through a Biblical lens.

Denison relates that he and his wife recently returned from a wonderful trip to Vermont. They enjoyed the natural beauty of the state and met many wonderful people. But they were surprised by “the irreligious nature of the culture.”

For example, he mentioned going into seven bookstores during their trip and not one had a Bible for sale.

He further learned about a Vermont high school that staged a “drag ball” for their homecoming’s half-time show. “As school cheerleaders wrapped up their routine, about 30 students and faculty members dressed as drag queens and kings — or a bit of both — walked out onto the field and the crowd started to chant, “Drag Ball.”

“Things went amazing,” said Ezra Totten, student leader of the Gender Sexuality Alliance at Burlington High School

” They paraded and danced to show support for LGBTQ persons and lip-synced to the song “Rainbow Reign.”

In other news, Denison offered these disturbing examples.

“The US State Department has issued its first gender-neutral passport. The Wall Street Journal reports that fashion designers are striving to “upgrade gender-neutral clothing.” There will be more to come as polygamy continues to advance, LGBTQ activism focuses on children’s toys and programming, calls to legalize prostitution escalate, and “zoophilia” (sexual relationships between people and animals) gains acceptance.”

While this can be discouraging and depressing to Christians, the advice of the late Paul Harvey comes to mind. “In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these.”

Regarding mankind in Noah’s time, the Bible records “every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5).

The period of the Old Testaments Judges was filled with ungodliness and immorality. The Bible says, “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judg. 21;25).

The apostle Paul described the Gentile world as where people’s thoughts were futile, their foolish hearts were darkened, “professing themselves to be wise they became fools.” As a result, their lifestyle plunged into perverted sexual lusts, committing unnatural, indecent, and shameful acts (Rom. 1:20-28).

Our call today is the same as first-century Christians.

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life” (Phil. 2:14-15).

This means “to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” In this way we show the world that we are God’s “own special people,” purified from wickedness and every lawless deed (Titus. 2:12-14).

Without being sanctimonious or self-righteous, we can both live by and vocalize godly virtues and Biblical values. This begins at home, where husbands and wives honor and respect each other in a committed, loving relationship (Eph. 5;22-32). And where parents raise their children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4).

In our communities, we must be what Jesus envisioned his followers to be–“the salt of the earth and the light of the world” (Matt. 5:13-16), as we seek and seize opportunities to do good (Gal. 6:10).

In our churches, we must speak the truth in love, ministering to saint and sinner alike, and unashamedly preaching the gospel of Christ as we seek to save souls (Eph. 4:12-16; Rom. 1:16).

In the workplace, we must labor for the Lord, not as men-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, working honestly and honorably as servants of Christ (Col. 3:22-25).

If we only focus on the negative news, we might think we’re all alone in this struggle for right. But we would be wrong. In communities and churches across this nation and the world, we’ve met so many Christians who’re standing up for Biblical morality, letting their lights shine, and making a difference in their own circle of influence.

Let us be strong in the Lord. Stand for Truth. Speak the Truth. And live the Truth.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman