Among some of the emerging generation of young adult Christians, activities such as drinking, clubbing, watching sexually explicit movies, and even using profanity are seen as ways to show the non-Christian community they do not consider themselves to be morally superior. I may not agree with their conclusion, but I understand the tension.
The age-old question is this: how do we maintain the moral ‘high ground’ without coming across judgmental of others? How do we stay true to a biblical ideology without appearing self-righteous? Every person who is born of the Spirit will have to resolve the tension of being “in” the world but not “of” it, especially in the light of Paul’s exhortation: “There must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people… come out from them and separate yourselves from them. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them.” (Eph. 5:3, 11; 2 Cor. 6:17-18, Paraphrase, NLT).
How do we then decide what is and is not appropriate moral behavior? First, we must do the hard work of examining our values and ethics though a Biblical worldview—and that can only be done by knowing the Bible! Second, we must maintain a spirit of humility. Third, we must not just separate ourselves FROM the world, but TO Jesus. Stay close to Him. Love Him. Love His Word. The more immoral the times, the closer we must stay to Him who is our source of holiness.
The age-old question is this: how do we maintain the moral ‘high ground’ without coming across judgmental of others? How do we stay true to a biblical ideology without appearing self-righteous? Every person who is born of the Spirit will have to resolve the tension of being “in” the world but not “of” it, especially in the light of Paul’s exhortation: “There must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people… come out from them and separate yourselves from them. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them.” (Eph. 5:3, 11; 2 Cor. 6:17-18, Paraphrase, NLT).
How do we then decide what is and is not appropriate moral behavior? First, we must do the hard work of examining our values and ethics though a Biblical worldview—and that can only be done by knowing the Bible! Second, we must maintain a spirit of humility. Third, we must not just separate ourselves FROM the world, but TO Jesus. Stay close to Him. Love Him. Love His Word. The more immoral the times, the closer we must stay to Him who is our source of holiness.
This was God breathe and prepared for me.... Thank you Lord.
ReplyDeleteI believe GOD is speaking to me>..>>>>>Thank you LORD
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