See if the following sounds familiar:
- The definition of truth is: “Whatever is most expedient at the moment.”
- Christians are relegated to the outer margin of society.
- Marriage is defined according to personal preference.
- No sexual act is taboo or off-limits.
- Immorality has seeped into the church.
Sound familiar? If you’ve been reading the news, it does. If you’ve been reading the Bible, it does as well. These phrases portray every culture in which the New Testament church began. Ephesus, famous for her temple orgies. Corinth, a seedbed of immorality. Rome, no friend to the church. The Christian movement was birthed in a maternity ward of contrarian beliefs.
Is the church returning to its birthplace? The move to redefine marriage is the most recent of a string of events that suggest we are entering a new normal. If so, here is the good news: the Bible was written for times like these. The church flourishes in times like these. Scripture exists to help the church thrive as citizens of heaven and strangers and exiles on earth.
In such times, our call is clear:
“Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure. Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night…” (Philippians 2:12-15 MSG)
In changing times, hold to the unchanging hand of God. Embrace what is true. Anchor to what is right. Set your heart on heaven. And have faith. The Lord who began the church will sustain it.
Max Lucado© 2013
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