These words could be spoken by any of dozens of politicians, entertainers, business executives, and public figures who have recently been caught up in the rash of allegations regarding sexual misconduct. Some of these figures have resigned, retired, or been fired from their posts after admitting that they engaged in some form of sexual misconduct. Others have apologized, but said they intend to keep their positions which implies that they think their misconduct wasn’t all that serious. Then there are those brave few, perhaps only one, who staunchly deny all the allegations and have gone on the offensive to “clear their good name.” While sexual misconduct by ANYONE is sinful, it is particularly disturbing and reprehensible when committed by a person who holds authority over others. All these “celebrities” who have abused their power and defamed their office by their misconduct shine an illuminating light on the bigger problem – our Country’s misguided standards for virtue and morality.
Our country was founded by men and women who wanted to be “one nation under God.” This is clearly evidenced by our Declaration of Independence, Constitution, original laws, and the writings and practices of our founding fathers. All of these documents irrefutably show that we were designed to be a “God-fearing” people who followed God’s truth and His principles. Our earliest laws were based primarily on Scriptural laws and our first law school book stated that ALL civil law should align with Scripture. Why did the founding fathers insist on such strict adherence to biblical teachings? Because, as many of them publicly stated, without the guiding principles of Scripture, we cannot have virtue and morality. Without virtue and morality, we cannot exist as a civilized people. Our founding fathers had great foresight and we are now seeing the consequences of disregarding their directions. Our country has adopted a “relative morality” focusing on “individual rights” rather than a definitive code of conduct, which is leading us down the path to destruction. We have lost our way. The country’s original virtues of truth, respect, honor, and selfless service have been sacrificed on the altar of the all-powerful “pursuit of happiness” [at all costs]. Scripture warns us that “our sins will find us out.” Our choices have consequences and sin demands payment.
It is so easy to get lost on our journey – after all Jesus warned us in Matthew 7:13-14: 13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
The way to life is narrow and sometimes hard to stay on – it is easy to take one of the million off-ramps which lead down that broad, easy-to-follow highway to destruction. Commentator Cal Thomas made some excellent points about the rewards of virtue (please follow this link to view article: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/11/30/cal-thomas-return-virtue.html) which reminds us of the consequences of ignoring Jesus’ entreaty. My prayer for us all is that we will embrace the one true virtue and morality presented to us in The Person and works of Jesus Christ.
-Pastor Dave Jones