In recent times, there has been a revolutionary change in attitude towards morality.
Modern thinking is based upon the premise of evolution. Evolutionists believe that the human brain, being the most advanced, makes us “sophisticated” animals, but animals nevertheless.
They propose that we (as animals with highly developed brains) must accept our position of power in the natural world; however, we must also be responsible for our abilities that give us power over the rest of the world.
Although this secular thinking has a level of morality to it, regarding governance with a concern for our environment and the other creatures; ultimately, there is no higher authority than man.
As it pertains to our morality, we choose for ourselves what is appropriate—as long as we don’t violate our responsibility to others. This leaves morality to be an open structure, always evolving with our world.
As long as we can control the impact we have on others, and the natural order, individual expression must not have limits. How dare we think we can impose our morality on someone else?
Although this sounds good to the modern mindset, Proverbs 14:12 reminds us, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” The question we should have with every decision is, “Where will this lead?”
Another scripture that comes to mind is, “…the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Every choice has a payday. Just like in our vocation, our payday is determined by our workweek…our life is dependent on how we live. Every action produces a result; this can have very severe consequences or very powerful blessings. So how can we know the results of our actions ahead of time?
Will You Let History Be Your Teacher?
History is one of the most valuable tools we have to understand outcomes. I love to study history! I remember learning a long time ago, “If we don’t learn from history, it will repeat itself.”
On the other hand, if we do learn from history, we can avoid repeating bad choices and commit ourselves to making the right ones. As a pastor, I have worked with people who forever repeat the same mistakes. I am merciful to continue helping people, but my hands are tied when they fail to accept responsibility for their choices.
I have found God is a God of mercy; however, this does not mean He protects us from our choices. This is His gift to us: the freedom to choose. Unfortunately, it is a gift we love until we have to suffer from the consequences.
Another problem in human history—we think we can avoid the mistakes of the past through technology. T
his can be something as simple as the condom, which we think liberates us from the responsibility of sexual morality. The natural consequences of a lack in moral restraint, unplanned pregnancy, and venereal disease, are no longer a problem.
Now our simple invention eliminates many centuries of unnecessary moral restraint. As an intelligent animal, what more do we need? I believe human history tells us something different. More importantly, I also follow the Scripture, or Word of God: the Bible. The Bible is His story, speaking of God. The scripture is written for our example.
I have often heard it said, “experience is the best teacher,” but the Bible says something different. Experience, as a teacher, can give an indelible lesson…unfortunately, because of the scar it leaves with it. The Bible teaches us to learn from others so we can experience their blessings, but also avoid the consequences of bad behavior.
This reminds me of the story in the scripture of the Tower of Babel. In the early chapter of Genesis, we pick up on the plans of men, “Then they said to one another, ‘Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.’ They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. And they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.’”
Man decided he didn’t need stones anymore. Stones were what God made. The use of stones would limit their plans, but with their invention, they could live independent of God. There would be no restraints to their plans; they would come from their own aspirations. There would be no limits from above; they would reach to heaven, rather than see heaven reach down to earth. God said no to their endeavor.
Do you believe He will have the final word in our day? I believe He will. I do not see any evidence that I can trust man’s imagination, but I see immeasurable evidence that I can trust God.
Many of the foundations of man’s endeavors are shaky in this day. I see it in the political world, the economic world, and I see it in our present day social agenda. The scripture says God will once again shake the heavens and the earth. This process will cause the removal of things made so the things that cannot be shaken will remain. Can you feel the shaking?
Let’s trust in the Lord, lean not on our own understanding, and receive the gift of living according to His ways!
The Rev. Loren Covarrubias is pastor of Mt. Zion.