"Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-who is forever praised. Amen" (Rom 1:24-25).
There is a story told about a frog in a kettle. The frog is placed in a kettle of warm water. The frog does not notice that the water temperature is being turned up gradually until it is too late. He dies from the heat of the water not realizing the danger he was in.
Societies are suffering from the "frog in the kettle" analogy. They make decisions that seem innocent enough, only to realize later the impact these decisions bring to their society. Whether the issue is gay rights, abortion, euthanasia, or simply a lack of spiritual influence over society, the changes seem logical to the unregenerate mind but reveals the moral compass of the nation has been removed.
In 1945, a book was written about the spiritual condition of England. "We are convinced that England will never be converted until the laity use the opportunities daily afforded by their various professions, crafts and occupations."* During the time of this writing, 30% of England attended church. Today, less than 7% attend church in England. It has become a secularized nation.
During this same time more than 40% of America was attending church. Today, less than 30% attend church and it is rapidly declining. The reason is that more and more believers are seeing the local church as irrelevant to the world they live in. Surveys reveal that up to 90% of church members believe they are not being taught how to apply the Bible to the complex world of work where they spend 60-70% of their time. It is not a question of them being taught the Bible; it is a question of making it relevant to their world.
*"Towards the Conversion of England" (1945).
Insight:
Becoming secularized, I believe, is tantamount to "compromising one's faith". As a Christian, I'm just being saddened of what's happening in our society and the Christian community as well. Honestly, sometimes I can no longer distinguish Christians from non-believers due to the fact that Christians are already compromising or doing what non-believers do; worse, they backslide.
As I read articles from one source to another, the more I become aware of people's standards nowadays. Premarital sex and unwanted pregnancies are becoming rampant in our society. What's more alarming is that the age range of these young people becomes younger and younger compared to the past decade. See 13 Year Old Father: The Truth .
Sad thing as well, it doesn't just happen to other young people but also including Christian youth. Let me clear things out. I'm not condemning these young people but I'm just saddened that they would've stand for what is right, what is pure in God's sight. And now, as if things are just okay. Mind you, it's not. We see the negative consequences of it. Sometimes, a wrong action can be followed by another wrong action like abortion; in which it has been rationalized by some as "alternative."
Moreover, I've been observing that homosexuality, which has been a taboo in the past,is now being accepted in the society. Please take note that I'm talking about "homosexuality" and not homosexuals. We all know that God abhors and detests homosexuality and yet they are already being embraced in our culture; worse, in some countries, they promote same-sex marriage. I Corinthians 6:9-10 says, " Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. " See Homosexuality
Moreover, I've been observing that homosexuality, which has been a taboo in the past,is now being accepted in the society. Please take note that I'm talking about "homosexuality" and not homosexuals. We all know that God abhors and detests homosexuality and yet they are already being embraced in our culture; worse, in some countries, they promote same-sex marriage. I Corinthians 6:9-10 says, " Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. " See Homosexuality
These are just some of the moral issues we're facing at present and sad to say, some who consider themselves Christians are not conscious enough that they're letting their guard down. One of God's purpose in us is to be the salt and light of this world, and not to conform with it. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. " Romans 12:2 NIV
My reflection is not about to pinpoint the shortcomings of other people, nor to judge nor condemn ,but rather to raise awareness not just to others but even to myself. As a believer, this serves as a caution to me that nobody is exempted from the evil forces around us. The best thing to do is to ask God's intervention and guidance, allowing the Holy Spirit to reign in us. It's not our own strength nor power that we are going to stand or overcome the test. It's through God's Spirit. "‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. " Zechariah 4:6
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