Are There Absolutes in Your Faith Walk?

Matthew 7:26-27

Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

In Bible study yesterday – we were discussing heretical teachers and if there were absolutes in our faith walk. We were looking at 2 John and John was warning his readers about false teachers. The world seems to be filled with them these days – even the church seems to have its share of them.

One of my favorite shows comes on at different times and different channels most days – but as often as possible I try to be in front of the TV when it comes on. The Andy Griffith Show is one of my favorite all-time shows. I grew up watching Andy – Opie – Barney – and Aunt Bea. Times were good for many in Mayberry and even the unchurched were fairly moral and had values in town. This show took place during the 50’s & 60’s – just a few states south of Maryland.

I wish that the troubles Opie had would be the troubles our youth would get into today. Unfortunately – our youth – and our society as a whole – are far beyond the sins of Mayberry it seems. Our communities used to resemble Mayberry’s morals and values. I can remember growing up near here and feeling safe. As a matter of fact – I can remember watching Mayberry as a child. I remember doors without locks and a feeling of love and safety.

How did we get to the place we are today? How have we become so corrupt and sinful as a society? A 1994 survey conducted by Josh McDowell’s ministry team showed some startling results (even for 28 years ago). The study showed that among churched youth from 11-18 – within the last three months: 66% lied to a parent – teacher – or another adult; 59% lied to one of their peers; 36% cheated on an exam; and 23% intentionally tried to hurt someone. Additionally it showed that 55% have engaged in sexual behavior by age 18; 50% say they are stressed out; and 55% say they are confused. Remember – these were the churched youth! And only 28 years ago! Lord knows what the survey would show today!

Something fundamentally wrong has happened in our culture that is shaking the very foundation of our society – especially our youth. The ground work isn’t being laid properly – the foundations aren’t sound – something is wrong. And the walls are being raised out of plumb. The crash will be great if we don’t correct the problem soon. We’re building our lives on the sand instead of the rock. We all remember what the Word says concerning this, don’t we?

Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. Matthew 7:26-27

Our society is moving away from absolutes. Things that even our society wouldn’t have thought of years ago are commonplace today. We were once one nation under God – but have almost become just another nation in the world. Traditional Biblical truths are being eroded and watered down. The Judeo-Christian values most of us were raised with are being undermined. Some in society today – politicians as well – can’t determine what the definition is for a man or woman. Some even think that men can become pregnant.

Most of our youth lack the most basic moral perspectives that previous generations took for granted. If it feels good – do it – is the philosophy of the day. And the ME generation follows it to a tee.

What about the church? Absolutes are being abandoned here too. Psalm 11:3 says; When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? The church is moving away from absolutes – absolutes of the faith. Denominations are voting on issues these days that should never even come into question. Biblical truths that should never have been questioned are being brought into question by a sinful segment of the church – even in our own beloved United Methodist Church. Biblical principles are being cast aside.

If we do not return to God and God’s values – the church will become – if it isn’t already – a forgotten institution (I’m not speaking of the Body of Christ – the faithful – but the church as an institution).

Just something for us to think about today as we go on our way!