Evolve?
Evolve. That’s the prescription, or so we’re told. A radio host this week offered counsel on how to adjust to and accommodate the zigs, zags and downslides which culture continually presents for our ethical, moral and behavioral affirmation and adaptation. Just go with the flow. In a word, evolve! It could make living in this ever-changing world a whole heck of a lot easier if it weren’t for that imbedded moral compass that comes as standard equipment (not an upgrade) upon believing in the claims of Christ and electing to earnestly follow Him.
As the moral measuring stick takes some hits and sometimes appears upside down, and as laws are created and enforced which often defy common sense or just don’t seem “right,” and as the “moral majority” has questionable claim to either title, there is increased pressure to bend to the crush of a culture which appears to have no absolutes and no anchor to keep them from drifting in whatever direction the “times” flow. The world system intends to squeeze us into its mold and way of thinking. Paul warns us otherwise in Romans 12 to “not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Bathing in the scripture and seeking the counsel of the Holy Spirit insure our progress.
Our concern for being “liked” and “accepted” wars against the will we have to stand firm in our core beliefs. Peter’s words in Acts 5:29 echo “We must obey God rather than men.” At times we find this very difficult. We see people as the instruments which represent and promote the very things we oppose and we easily lose sight that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood (i.e., people) but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph. 6:12) We must get that! (Any conspiracy to subvert God’s plans begins at a higher level than your neighbor, mother-in-law or government officials.)
Our culture, like previous ones, calls out to Christ-followers to “get over it, get with it, evolve.” Seldom will our stance be popular, especially if we are willing to be clear in our positions and stand graciously and firmly in them. Proof again that the Christian “walk” is not a “cake walk” but a sometimes lonely, awkward and unsettling journey . . . yet one in which Jesus promises to accompany us and declares “Take heart, I have overcome the world.” Think About It.