Surreal how much our world has changed, don't you think? Lets recap. Just earlier this year around January and February men in Egypt were beheaded by Isis Military for their faith in Jesus Christ. Fast forward to March, a man known as Bruce Jenner shocked America when he fully transformed into a woman called Caitlyn Jenner. Proceed a little further, on June 27, 2015, our nation legalized same-sex marriage in every state. These are just a few changes that were put into motion all within just seven small months. How do we respond to such events? Why not see what the bible has to say?
I feel the best way to deal with any culture shock or change is to abide by Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Therefore, we are to look to God for guidance in situations that seem to hard to digest and follow his plans. When loving him with all your heart, soul and mind, you are putting all your faith in him, you are letting go of the anxiety and the pressures of the world. Following that, we are to love our neighbors. Who are our neighbors you may ask? Your neighbors are those that surround you, your enemies, friends, acquaintances, they're the strangers, your family, those that have authority over you. Your neighbors are everyone. With that to be said, love those who are in same-sex marriages, love those who have transformed their bodies into the ones they want, love those who don't follow the status quo of society, and love those who are greatly influenced by society.
Today, I heard a sermon by Tim Jacobs. He shared a quote by Samuel Adams:
"A general dissolution of the principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy.... While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but once they lose their virtue, they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader.... If virtue and knowledge are diffused among the people, they will never be enslaved. This will be their great security."
The part I highlighted, is the part that hit me most. "While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but once they lose their virtue, they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader." Do you mind if I dissect this a bit? Lets look at definitions.
Virtue: behavior showing high moral standards
Morals: concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human character
Liberties: the freedom to think or act without being constrained by necessity or force
With that being defined I think this statement reveals that as a society, once we lose the direction of what is right and wrong we are easily consumed by society and enslaved by the tainted behaviors within it.
To end this I want to encourage you all just as Pastor Tim encouraged me. We need to become people of the book (bible).
Song of Inspiration:
Holy Spirit - Kari Jobe