In the area of ethics, specifically Christian ethics, today's society, and its
cultural norms, are being wrought with misinformation and disinformation.
There are several very negative and inaccurate premises that are being
propagated by small groups who thrive on disunity. These are groups who
contend such ideas as "all" white people are racist, or that "every"
Christian who stands against abortion is a woman hater. They make
arguments such as "all Christian men are simply misogynist" and "all
Christian women are simple followers". These types of all inclusive
statements about whole sects of people are both inaccurate and
dangerous.
The church is the most significant group of people with regard to this
struggle within our society. The church is commanded to live, work and
thrive through unity with one another. One of the most powerful
statements that Christ made about this, in my opinion, is when He tells
His disciples "by this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have
love for one another." (John 13:35) Christ made it clear that all were
welcome. (I Tim. 2:4) The most popular verse in the bible, John 3:16, tells
of the greatest love that can ever be shown, "For God so loved the
world..." God is not a discerner of men based on physical traits or biases.
God judges based on righteousness and holiness. This is because God
"sees the heart" (I Sam. 16:7).
This is an area where Christian leaders, more than ever, need to be
grounded and willing to stand firm in biblical truth. This is why Christians,
leaders and laypeople alike, need to be students of the Word. To make
their theological beliefs their foundation for behavior. It is unfortunate that
some leaders feel that they can "blend" in with the world surrounding this
very important topic. It is always easier to fit in than to stand alone. The
key is that as Christians we are not alone. If no one else will stand for
truth, Christ will stand with us. The "world" has seldom ever had a solution
that would stand the moral test of God, unless it was derived from the
truth found in God's word.
The idea that absolute truth is merely a biblical metaphor is a failure
from those who do not want to be ridiculed by the world. I believe there
are several reasons for this, however, the most prominent ones are wealth
and position. Over the last several months we have seen how standing
against the cultural norms, specifically in the area of ethics, can and has
cost some their livelihood. This is such a shame, but it is only possible
because we as fellow believers shy away from standing with those who
proclaim scriptural truth. Christ was counter-culture and so are His
followers today. Vanhoozer and Stachan say it best, when they write
about how our culture today has made the position of pastor / minister a
person to be mocked. Someone who is of "low intelligence".1 They are
accused because they refuse to fall for lies of so-called science and other
academia subject areas. As Leaders (pastors, deacons, elders, ministers,
etc) we need to stand firm, whole heartedly acknowledging and practicing
the truth of scripture. As believers we need to come along beside our
leaders and shore them up against the onslaught of the worlds negative
perception.
1. Kevin Vanhoozer & O. Strachan.The Pastor as Public Theologian:
Reclaiming a Lost Vision.(Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Pub.) 2015
