Yesterday I spoke about a topic which makes most people feel uncomfortable and causes everyone to ponder their own view of the world – the concept of absolute truth. Our society has, for decades, morphed toward a more comfortable truth which doesn’t offend anyone and allows us to feel good about our values and actions. While there is merit in not unnecessarily offending people and wanting to maintain our self-esteem, the issue is that we are doing so at the expense of the truth. Truth has become a subjective entity which can be conformed to fit our lifestyle and justify our beliefs. “Moral Relativism” (the philosophy that morality is subjective and not standardized nor inclusive for everyone) has become the hallmark of our society. This thinking allows each person to determine, according to their own personal beliefs and values, what constitutes moral or immoral actions. According to Moral Relativism, child pornography, abortion, infidelity, homosexuality, lying, cheating, and a host of other actions are not “wrong,” they are simply “choices” like deciding which shoes to wear today. Moral Relativism does not allow anyone to be “judged” for their actions because there is no set standard for right or wrong. Everyone is allowed the privilege of determining their own reality and living their lives according to their own moral code.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the glaring flaw in this concept – if everyone can determine their own code of conduct, how can we live in a peaceful and organized society? If no one can be “wrong,” how can we have laws and rules to govern conduct? This indefensible philosophy has developed under the banner of “tolerance, unity, and political correctness.” It is causing increasing immorality and dissension in our society as people become frustrated with each other because there is no consensus as to what values and actions should be deemed acceptable. Your opinion about right and wrong is just as valid as mine so how do we settle disputes? One example of this problem is the recent demonstrations and violence against law enforcement officers. Under the guise of racism, police officers are being targeted for extermination. Is this really caused by racism? Ask the family of the Black Baton Rouge Police Officer who was gunned down in an ambush last week.
This protest against police officers is not a matter of racism, but rather a matter of anarchy as frustrated citizens lash out against anything which they feel impinges on their “rights.”
Our society is spiraling into a death spin because we have forgotten one thing – We are not in charge, God is. He knows our weaknesses and faults and He knows we need rules and order to exist peacefully. He created us, He gave us His commandments, He gave us His Word as the absolute truth on which we can base our lives and, most importantly, He gave us His Son to provide the way for us to live in eternal peace. Do not be deceived by the opinions of man – there is only one truth which is universal to all mankind for all time. That truth is Jesus and His Holy Scriptures. There are two passages of Scripture which I would like you to ponder:
John 8:31-32, [Jesus speaking] If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 14:6, [Jesus speaking] I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Do you know The Truth? Have you been set free? Are you absolutely sure?
-Pastor Dave Jones