Nov. 29, 2010
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Is nothing sacred anymore?
From the Pulpit Popular singer Miley Cyrus recently wore a see-through dress while filming a music video. She belted out the words, “Can't be tamed.” Is nothing sacred anymore? Our culture has removed “Merry Christmas” from greetings and prayer from schools. A recent effort sought to remove “Under God” from our Pledge of Allegiance. Is nothing sacred anymore? Militant terrorists explode bombs that kill hundreds of innocent people. We have to ask, “What's happened to the sacredness of human life?” We used to think our schools were safe places until we started hearing of school shootings and teachers having sex with students. Is nothing sacred anymore? Last week's USA Today carried an article with the title, “Marriage Is Becoming Obsolete.” Marriage is increasingly viewed as optional. Cohabitation has doubled since 1990. Is nothing sacred anymore? People acting like jerks has become commonplace. Why are we seeing the decline of manners, the lack of modesty, the absence of respect for boundaries, and total disregard for others' lives? For one thing our society has become more narcissistic. The word means excessively self-centered. Jean Twenge, who authored “The Narcissism Epidemic”, says today's young people are the most narcissistic generation ever. College students' scores on the Narcissistic Personality Inventory have risen twice as fast during the past 20 years. The circulation of news magazines and newspapers has plummeted while the sales of celebrity gossip magazines remain high. “It's all about me” has become the prevailing attitude. Consider, also, that many people live like practical atheists. They would never say they don't believe in God; in fact, they do. But they live as if God doesn't matter. An atheist would never attend church, give to the Lord's work, pray, read the Bible, nor help the needy. But I know lots of “Christians” who don't do these things either. Most people just don't see the connection between their faith and how they conduct their daily lives. The result is a society of people who believe their opinions are more important than Bible standards, and who enjoy their sin as if God is not present. The prevailing worldview today is secular, meaning entire sectors of our society have been removed from the influence of religious institutions and their teachings. No wonder we cry out “Is nothing sacred anymore?” What can we do to turn the tide? First, fight back the seduction of practical atheism. Isn't it easy to become consumed with desires and thoughts that are miles from God's design? Build into your life a passion for higher values, morals, and character. Second, teach your children to respect others, to value life, to honor God, and to keep a moral compass in their lives. Third, don't fall for the myth that what you do in private has no affect on your public life. Every wrong choice we make carries a consequence. Wrongdoing ultimately will harm you or someone else. Fourth, place yourself under authority. I'm speaking of the authority of God, the Bible, and the teachings of your church. When you sincerely desire for Jesus Christ to be the Lord, the boss, of your life, you will live a holy, not secular, life. Fifth, don't live for this life only. Joe Stowell, former president of Moody Bible Institute, wrote, “When we begin to believe the reality of the other side, we start behaving differently on this side.” Gary Hardin is pastor of Enon Grove Baptist Church in Cedar Bluff. He and his wife, Linda, live in Centre. Comments can be sent to: garyhardin@tds.net.
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