7 Responses To Our Crumbling Moral Foundation

“Religion and good morals are the only solid foundation of public liberty and happiness,” opined one of America’s Founding Fathers, Samuel Adams (1722-1803).

In an age when it seems the moral, ethical, and spiritual foundations all around us are crumbling, the  Psalmist’s question bears repeating and reflecting on.

If the foundations are destroyed,
What can the righteous do?
(Ps. 11:3)

In a recent article on the Denison Forum in which he calls our moral decline a “schism of the soul,” he repeats a question recently raised in a New Yorker article, “How did polyamory become so popular?”

He then offers some shocking statistics and recent articles in mainstream publications that give credence our moral decline.

The Wall Street Journal reported recently that “open relationships are having a moment.” According to the article, 22 percent of Americans say they have engaged in “consensual non-monogamy.” This sin is being normalized as we speak:

The book More: A Memoir of Open Marriage is generating headlines and reviews across popular culture.

Time published an article by the book’s author titled “Why I Love My Open Marriage.”

The New York Times published a recent article in which the author claims, “I have no moral objection to infidelity. For me, sex is just sex.”

New York magazine published a cover story titled “Polyamory: A practical guide for the curious couple.”

Despite years of research, as well as observation by counselors, preachers and pastors, which continue to show that sexual monogamy is best for our well being, it seems the trend toward perversion, immorality and pornography continues to escalate.

So, what can the righteous do?

#1 Reaffirm our conviction that sexual relationships outside of marriage between one man and one woman is a sin.

Christianity was born in a culture of gross immorality. The Greco-Roman world normalized such sin. Most of the Roman Emperors were homosexuals, and some pedophiles. Fornication was common place. Yet, the Bible is clear in its condemnation.

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Heb.13:4).

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor” (1 Thess. 4:3-4).

“Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband” (1 Cor. 7:2).

#2 Don’t say, “It could never happen to me.”

None of us are immune to temptation. The Bible warns, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” ( 1Cor. 10:13).

I once had a preacher who fell prey to moral failure, tell me that the problem was his pride. He didn’t think it could happen to him. He felt superior to others who had sinned. He let his guard down. And the very thing he never thought would happen, did happen. “Take heed.”

#3 Don’t flirt with danger.

If you are tempted to commit a sexual sin, the Bible simply says, “Flee sexual immorality” (1 Cor. 6:19). Run from it. Be like Joseph who ran from the seductress. His attitude should be ours. “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:9).

#4 Focus on your marriage.

Some say, “the grass is greener on the other side.” The truth is that the grass is greener where you water it. Read, reflect and apply Proverbs 5. And “rejoice with the wife of your youth.” Heed Paul’s admonition in 1 Cor. 7:1-5 and “do not deprive one another.”

#5 Engage in marriage enrichment.

Today there are so many resources, books, retreats, seminars, videos, and recordings that can improve your relationship. If you’re having a problem, don’t wait until it becomes insurmountable. Get help. Find a qualified Christian counselor who will advise you based on a Biblical value system (Prov. 1:5).

#6 If you’ve sinned, don’t give up. 

If you have fallen into the trap of a sexual sin, repent and ask God’s forgiveness (Psalm 51). Then work to repair your relationship. It is possible. We’ve known many couples who’ve recovered from a moral failure, to build a better and stronger marriage.

#7 Pray for strength.

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one,” is a appropriate prayer in this regard. Don’t discount the efficacy of prayer to provide spiritual strength to overcome the wiles of the devil. (Eph. 6:10-18)

Yes, the foundations of our culture are crumbling. But our foundation can remain firm and strong. “Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed” (Rom. 12:2).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman