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| Volume 22 Number 1 January 2020 | Page 6 |
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| Volume 22 Number 1 January 2020 | Page 6 |
Brian R. Kenyon
I did not realize how much I missed the autocorrect feature on my texting app until all of a sudden, for no perceivable reason, it quit working. Texts that used to take a fraction of the time now take much longer because my app no longer anticipates what I will say next. The most disturbing thing is that “Jesus” or “Christ” is no longer a default option. When I used to text the letters “Jes,” autocorrect would supply “Jesus,” or when I used to text “Chr,” autocorrect would supply “Christ.” Now, “Jesus” is not even one of the three options. Instead, autocorrect supplies “Jesuit,” “Jesu” or “Jesup.” Likewise, the choices for “Chr” are “Christmas,” “Chris” or “Christian.” Hopefully, my autocorrect feature will “retrain” itself. An even more serious observation is our present culture’s attempt to autocorrect biblical morality, even to the point that some Christians are accepting it!
God’s Correct Standard
If God exists (and He does), and if the Bible is the inspired Word of God (and it is), then whatever moral standard the Bible teaches as applicable today is true and binding on all people. Due to the limited length of this article, space will not be taken to prove that God exists and that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, but be assured that such can be proven. Since the Bible is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and since we will be judged by the words of Jesus (John 12:48), which includes the whole Bible (1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Peter 1:11; 2 Peter 1:21), our default morality must be what the Bible authorizes, not what culture asserts (Romans 12:2)!
Culture’s Incorrect Options
To some extent, it seems some in the “older generation” have always thought the “younger generation” was ruining society and that some in the “younger generation” have always rebelled against “older generational ways” simply because they were “older generational.” Some of that, obviously, is still present. However, the stakes are much higher today than Elvis’ swiveling hips of years ago. While that certainly rocked the culture, there is nothing inherently sinful about that style of theatrics. Today, actions that are inherently sinful are being pushed forward as legitimately correct options. We need to stand up for truth in our spheres of influence. Our salvation and the preservation of this country’s existence is at stake (Proverbs 14:34)! Below are a few examples of culture’s autocorrect options.
Incorrect: God is non-existent. For decades now, there has been a concerted effort to eliminate “God talk” from American culture. Some have even blamed the “Judeo-Christian God” for all societal ills! This is nothing new. Satan’s first recorded deception was to reflect God as not being benevolent (Genesis 3:4-5). Furthermore, many of these same voices uphold atheistic systems of government (e.g., communism) as exemplary! Government notwithstanding, anything based on arrogant declarations that there is no God is ultimately doomed to fail (Psalm 10:4; Romans 1:30, “haters of God”). Do not be autocorrected by culture. God does exist, and faith in Him is necessary (Hebrews 11:6).
Incorrect: Infanticide is pro-choice. According to some statisticians, since 1973 over 50 million abortions have occurred in the United States. Few things are more representative of purity, innocence and defenselessness than a baby, and yet people, in good conscience, deliberately kill them in utero! God is not happy with that (Proverbs 6:16-18; 1 John 3:15)! Before even opening the Bible, we can know the claim that “fetuses” are not human is false and irrational! All human “fetuses” able to mature and be born will always be human beings! If not human, what else could they be? The Bible, of course, confirms this (Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:41, 44; 2:12). Do not be autocorrected by culture. Intentionally taking innocent human life is murder, and deliberate abortion is intentionally taking innocent human life!
Incorrect: Homosexuality is moral as confirmed by its highly visible promotion all over American culture; the push to “normalize” homosexual behavior is relentless. People who even think about opposing it run the risk of serious consequences, even losing their careers! Despite the claim that people who teach against it are “full of hate,” God’s Word still teaches that homosexual behavior is sinful (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:10; Jude 7). If someone says, “Murder is sinful,” does that make him hate murderers? Of course not! Neither does standing against homosexuality make the person “hateful”! Do not be autocorrected by culture. Homosexual behavior is sinful, but it can be forgiven, if those guilty will repent (1 Corinthians 6:11).
May we always uphold God’s correct moral standard!
Let God Rule in Your Life
Cliff Holmes
Anything and everything can change in the blink of an eye.
Fear not, because the eye of God will never blink.
You have overcome great challenges before.
With God’s help, you can overcome greater challenges still.
Life is a learning experience. God has given life to you. Live it,
be strong, be courageous and learn what God holds for you.
Not having all that you want can be a true blessing for you.
Let God show that He will bless you in ways you can’t yet imagine.
Allow yourself to have some fun. Let God bless you with rest
and relaxation amid the toil and strife of a busy life.
Being kind to yourself is good for body, soul and spirit.
He was being kind by giving you the world in which you live.
The negativity of others toward you is none of your concern.
God is aware of it. He can and will handle it.
There is always something for which to be deeply thankful.
Let God rule in your life. He will reward you immeasurably.