We live in a culture today that loves to laugh and enjoy the pleasures of life. It is a culture that will not be corrected, because correction brings unhappiness. In the United States today we see that unhappiness is to be avoided at all costs, even at the expense of important life lessons.
It is unthinkable that we should experience sadness, in the minds of the typical American. According to the Lord, it is unthinkable that we avoid sadness at the peril of learned ignorance. The Word of God teaches us to glory when we experience trials, for they cultivate character in us.
Romans 5:3-5 says, "And not ony that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
In these last days we see the attitudes that are outlined in the Scripture when pleasure and happiness become our goal in life. Entertainment, personal gratification and self indulgence in all areas of life, have created the culture that we have today identical to the description we see in 2 Timothy 3:2-7.
"For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. Without natural affection, promise breakers, false accusers, lacking self control, fierce, despisers of those who are good, Traiters, heady highminded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
Those of us who love the Word of God will be chastised in these last days for our "negativity" in exposing these attitudes. In order to remain possitive in our present state, culturally, we must be phoney. We must not call things what they really are and we must ignore sin and maintain a pretense of righteousness.
I am reminded of the Scripture that says, "These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
Matthew 15:8-9
We have been trained on "Self Esteem" for the past 40 years. We have been raised to love ourselves above all else and we become enraged when we are confronted with opposition or disciplined for misbehavior.
How can a culture, in such a state as this, ever be trained or taught according to the Scriputres that continually, convict and redirect "normal human" behavior. We are predisposed to wickedness and selfishness. How can we ever repent and be changed when we will not allow any negativity into our sphere of influence, and when we negate and ignore those who are attempting to bring Scriptual standards of Christ-likeness into our teaching.
The influence, weight and pressure of the media has turned our world into a desolate hotbed of carnality. It truly is "as in the days of Noah", when everyone did what was right in their own eyes.
Proverbs 13:18 "Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, But he who regards reproof will be honored."
Proverbs 12:1 "Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid.
God's instruction for us is that we "set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: Colossians 3:2,5
God also instructs us in how we can avoid becoming like the world around us, He says; "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2
How can we accomplish these principles when our lives are full of those around us who are living wickedly and selfishly? I think that the answer is to hear the Holy Spirit when He speaks. When someone will not listen to wise counsel we are to shake the dust from our feet and walk away. God says that "evil company corrupts good character." Those who do not wish to obey God will continually bring strife into our lives and keep us in a state of sadness. After walking away, we must stay in prayer for them, and for ourselves that we do not indulge in bitterness.
"Finally, brethern, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8
The more we think on the things God has commanded in Philippians, the darker the actions and attitudes around us will appear. The only way to survive the deluge of wickedness on a daily basis is to stay close to God's Word and prayer. When we look to Him, we acknowledge that we are not citizens of this world and our hope is not earthly. We are just passing through temporarily and soon we will be home, where all things will be made right.
Keep looking up, for our redemption draws near. Hallelujah!!
