Ramon Arias | August 18, 2014
I know this is the year 2014, and the concept of sin is outdated, for the most part. I also know that the persecution and murder of Christians in many parts of the world has become sort of acceptable and in the United States bashing them is always open season. Never mind that Western civilization owes its existence to the biblical worldview.
This world’s insanity is increasing, and America is no exception. We are sensing the stench everywhere. Many nations still look towards America for their salvation; but the question is, who is going to save America?
Whatever happened to associating evil with sin? I know it’s not politically correct to ask that, but look what has happened to the nation because it has followed the counsel of the ungodly and scornful. Being silent against sin only empowers those who despise the God of the Bible. Why are we then surprised of what is taking place in St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit, New York, L.A., Houston, Miami, Seattle, and in so many other urban and rural communities?
Can Christian America serve two masters loyally? Not according to Jesus, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Historically, the neutrality card has never worked for Christians, or anyone for that matter. Two thousand years ago, this is what James wrote to the Christians, “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). Friendship with immorality is also applied to those who think they can be neutral and not be blamed for society’s decadent cultural condition.
Sin is a well-organized power that destroys human life, and no one is immune. Once Christians understand this hard-hitting truth and make a determination to honor and serve God they will stop wanting to be accepted by those who worship and embrace sin. For this reason, Paul wrote to the Galatians, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (1:10). To the Christians at Rome he wrote, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
Let us open our minds and our hearts to the reality of the awfulness of sin and deal accordingly individually and at home. Sin should never be justified, rationalized or merely rearranged in our hearts. As we do this with compassion and boldness, we can freely speak out against its evil fruit wherever it rears it ugly head all across society.
Having a new life in Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit is remarkable and it makes us responsible for the well being of our communities, our states, the nation and the world. No true born-again believer in past, present or future generations, is exempt from striving to achieve this high quality of life:
“Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds…. and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:17, 23-24).
“…so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10).
“…we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12).
We do not have to apologize for our Christian convictions as we point out to others the effective way to control sin. We have to challenge every idea in all areas of life that is born of sin and wars against the Knowledge of God. If we fail to do this, then we have no one else to blame but ourselves for the future outcome. Let us work toward the mark of a higher calling while we can.