Society’s declining morals and belief in the Bible, particularly what is says about sin and its consequences is a concern. What we once considered evil is no longer that but acknowledged as good, and what was thought of as good is seen as bad. Sin is welcomed and supported, which unfortunately attest to the fact that it is deceptively attractive and entices men into its clutches. For many, immoral and idolatrous behavior is no more than a personal choice in their pursuit of happiness. Sadly, unfaithfulness in marriage is not even recognized by the court system anymore since no-fault divorce came into effect and broken homes skyrocketed from 650,000 to over a million in 1970 only five years after it was implemented in California. Sociologists report that as a result children are 14 times more likely to live in poverty, 3 times more likely to be abused. 12 times more likely to be incarcerated, 3 times more likely to be expelled from school and for women the statistics are just as damaging. Sin leaves a trail of brokenness, a fitting display of duplicity, a Judas like kiss, an act of betrayal, where the chase for self-fulfillment is often at the expense of those we vowed to protect and love. Sin changes us for the worse. Attitudes are much different than before. We do not call adultery sin anymore, far too judgmental we are told. Rather, it becomes little more than an affair or a fling. Before, our society considered homosexuality a sexual perversion and abomination, a distortion of God’s image, now it is re-branded as simply being gay. In the past stealing of any sort was simply wrong and unscrupulous, but today it takes on many forms such as calling in sick when we are not really ill. We fool ourselves into believing it as not really stealing, just taking back what the company owes us but doesn’t pay us. We whitewash gossiping by saying it is a matter of sharing concerns, even though it is done with half the people on the block! The anger that led to smashing things and yelling is really unfortunate, and professional mental health specialists inform us that it is suppressed emotional feelings from a bad childhood for that is the cause and the root of our actions and therefore are not accountable for our actions. Ever since Adam’s sin, mankind has engaged in blame-shifting, seeing ourselves as victims, or measure our actions solely on the idea that if no one is hurt then it is permissible, all the while conveniently forgetting that all sin is against God.
Sin is active and at work in individuals, conditioning them to act and think contrary to God’s laws. Sin wishes to disassemble God’s righteous laws and replace it with its own rule. Paul uses the term “the law of sin” to mean its desire and ability in life to “rule, govern and control”. (Rom. 7:25) If we allow sin to reign, it will dominate our lives, with brazen impunity it leads us to falsely think we are in control and doing what is right, to live life in any way we choose.
Aside from sin’s deception, the sinner is accountable. The law of God holds men to a standard of righteousness, and contrary to the notion that the Supreme Court judges hold more authority than God’s, the Ten Commandments are valid today. They are not ancient tablets only good to peek our interest in National Geographic to see what they might have looked like back then, or to be considered as the sole property of the ancient Israelites and therefore has little to do with us. No, God gave His law for us to observe so that we may follow them and live holy. Jesus affirmed their continuance when he taught them Himself during His lifetime. Jesus said: “Ye have heard that it was said Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Mat. 5:27, 28) It should then become doubly concerning that a nation which turns away from the moral code will embrace a subjective view of life. The delusion becomes even more appreciable when we become convinced that our way is better than God’s. The following comments are from the Interim 2004, a family magazine.
“For about 40 years, Canada has been the laboratory for an awful social experiment. Beginning with contraception (1967) and divorce (1968), Canadian society has become a culture, coarsened by narcissism and nihilism; these, in turn, have led us to abortion (1969) and euthanasia (2005?). Canada has become a culture, corrupted by death. But in order to reverse these deleterious social trends, one must first understand them.”
Even more important than to regain our social and moral equilibrium is our spiritual state. God’s commands do not save us but they help us see our sinfulness and lead us to faith and repentance. The law reveals the Holiness of God and makes us realize how truly corrupt and rebellious we can be “so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful.” (Rom. 7:13c)
The Christian is told not to hate but exceptions do exist. “Hate evil, you who love the Lord” (Ps. 97:10a). We must see sin in the worst possible way and take every means to kick it out into the street or better yet attempt to kill it before it does you in. To illustrate we must oppose sin with as much effort as we would against an intruder who broke into our house and whose sole purpose was to murder us, and it will if you let it! You must never let up your unwavering opposition until your stay on earth is done or Christ returns. “I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” (Revelation 3:11) If you are not a Christian, confess your sins to Christ and repent. Sin will not let you from off the canvas and you will remain in its grip all of your life. Sin leads to lawlessness and ultimately death. Seek Christ now while He may be found, friend.
