When Jesus was alive, He was a Redemptive Change Agent in an increasingly challenging world. A transformational Leader who refused to just “go with the flow” of a culture that dismissed (and even came to despise) Him and all He held dear.
He held fast to His Purpose. He was anchored… in the Rock of Ages.
He’s still alive. Still that Redemptive Change Agent. Still anchored… holding fast.
How about you?
Are you willing to stand for your beliefs in our increasingly challenging world… even (especially?) when it’s hard? When it isn’t “politically correct” to do so? Even as you build bridges and lovingly serve those who don’t yet know the Lord they desperately need … so you might draw them closer to Him?
If you are willing … are you able? What will you need to know and understand? What will you need to not only do, but to master? What will anchor you amidst currents that seem bent on sweeping you away? What will it take for you to part (and even redirect) such waters?
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)
Does it shock (or concern) you to learn that only 35% of Americans believe in moral absolutes anymore? (According to George Barna, whose 30-year-old research firm is a “go to” source for insights about faith and culture).
In a controversial public presentation about the moral views and behaviors of Christians, Barna noted that “substantial numbers of Christians believe that such activities as abortion, gay sex, sexual fantasies, cohabitation, drunkenness and viewing pornography are morally acceptable.”
Barna further asserted, “Without some firm and compelling basis for suggesting that such acts are inappropriate, people are left with philosophies such as ‘if it feels good, do it,’ ‘everyone else is doing it’ or ‘as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else, it’s permissible.’
In fact, the alarmingly fast decline of moral foundations among our young people has culminated in a one-word worldview: ‘whatever.’ The result is a mentality that esteems pluralism, relativism, tolerance, and diversity without critical reflection of the implications of particular views and actions.” https://www.barna.com/research/americans-are-most-likely-to-base-truth-on-feelings/
As Christians, what is our “firm and compelling basis” for defining anything as appropriate or inappropriate? Is it not God’s Word, as revealed in the Bible?
“Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from Your law. Yet You are near, Lord, and all Your commands are true. Long ago I learned from Your statutes that You established them to last forever.” (Psalm 119:150-152)
Yet in researching five faith segments in the U.S. population, Barna found that surprisingly few of those who self-identified as Christians believe the Bible is accurate in all of the principles it teaches. https://www.barna.com/research/got-spiritual-political-profiles-america/
If we don’t know what we stand for, are we in danger of falling for anything?
And/or failing to influence anyone?
What do you think?
How vital is our adherence to God’s Word as we seek to positively influence a culture that views Christian convictions as increasingly unpopular?
What’s helping you succeed in holding fast to the anchor of God’s Word?
Please join the conversation by posting your comments below.
Diana Furr, a.k.a. Abba’s Girl
This blog may have raised questions for you. If you’d like to connect, engage, or get further help from me, you can… EMAIL me at [email protected]; CALL me at 863-446-1660; or request a complimentary initial CONSULT with me at http://tinyurl.com/DianaFurr.
2 Comments
GREAT questions: “If we don’t know what we stand for, are we in danger of falling for anything?” YES!
“And/or failing to influence anyone?” YES, we will fail to influence towards things of our Lord. By non-action, we also influence to do nothing or to let things stay status quo – the ways of the world.
“What do you think?” IT’S hard! This is why it is important to be in fellowship with like minded believers to stay strong!
“How vital is our adherence to God’s Word as we seek to positively influence a culture that views Christian convictions as increasingly unpopular?” We find it easy to adhere to God’s Word in our own little world, but to try to positively influence a culture that is anti-Christian is VERY hard. We just have to keep plugging along, shining God’s light as we go….
“What’s helping you succeed in holding fast to the anchor of God’s Word?” Staying in HIS Word! Joining in corporate worship weekly or more. Daily Bible reading with my spouse as we also pray together. I also have my time alone with the Lord with Bible study and devotionals. I prefer to have the radio on to Christian Gospel and Contemporary Music. I loved what I heard today on Sirius XM The Message. They said they are sharing God’s love in song all day long!
Thank you, Debbie, for your insightful comments… and for your wise counsel (and living testimony) about how to hold fast to God’s Word. So it is that we fulfill Hebrews 10:24-25… spurring one another on, and encouraging one another — all the more as we see The Day approaching. You go, Girl!