Connecting Point: Wrong Way, Clyde

I’ve noticed our culture is adrift, rudderless, and maybe exhausted. Maybe you’ve seen the same dynamic played out in a variety of ways. Wrongs have become rights. First, I’m not writing in any attempt to persuade anyone politically. My goal is to persuade readers to consider the truths of the Bible. Christian maturity and Biblical application are far more important to me than some political viewpoints. It is true that our foundational belief system will intersect into aspects of our daily life, so we must learn to examine in detail those deeply held beliefs.

A long-held belief that murder is wrong is still widely accepted, yet muddled in controversy with infanticide and geronticide. The universal truth that rape is wrong is embraced overwhelmingly as well. Other universal truths have seemingly slipped away over the past couple of decades in areas such as sexuality, controled substance use, protection of personal property, and legal data. For example, I’m shocked how a homeowner for multiple decades due to online hackers can somehow lose their home because the title was altered so easily. Isn’t stealing wrong?

Traffic standards are established for good reasons. However, for example, several years ago, back in my high school days, I recall a trip up to Helena. I was very unfamiliar with the streets. After dinner I pulled out into a one-way street heading straight into oncoming traffic…wow, that created a scene. Fortunately, no fender benders occurred. I must have overlooked the posted sign that said, Left Turn Only.

An objective standard outside of ourselves is necessary. We find this is the very character of God. Deuteronomy 32:3-4 establishes this baseline, “I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” Every day we face situations where right and wrong are faced, such a standard is interwoven in our society. Compromising on objective standards is creating chaos all around us.

Jesus speaking to the disciples about end-time events also addressed the acceptance of wickedness. He warned of false prophets and “birth pains.” He went on saying, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come,” (Matthew

24:9-14).

According to Jesus, the Gospel is the standard that we are to share with others. As lawlessness and wickedness grow, the end will come. Evil is still very present; however, there are God-given standards we need to embrace because they are wholesome and correct. Going in the wrong direction is a personal choice. Just as following in the ways of Christ, just like traveling in the right direction, it is the right time to make a U-turn.