Implicit in the callers comments is that we are more enlightened today than the Greatest Generation was, what with their racial prejudice, desire to keep up with the Jones’ not to mention that they followed the ill-fated advice of Dr. Spock. No matter how much good we see in people, we are all flawed. The ultimate example for us is God, but you can see a glimpse of God in humanity if you look for it. But, when you look deeper beneath the surface you will see the essence of man, which is fallen. The Greatest Generation exemplified self sacrifice, honor, and the spirit of giving. But when you get below the surface their humanity is evident.
Let’s examine the present generation. We have come a long way baby in uncovering and changing hearts in regards to racial prejudice. Perhaps we are even a color blind society in many respects, in example the election of President Obama. As a culture we also are concerned about the health and welfare of people within our society and have endeavored to have an egalitarian approach to meeting the needs of everyone regardless of their financial situation or position. But, I would also say that we are worthy of the scriptural admonishment in 2 Timothy where it says “they have a form of godliness, but deny the power. Have nothing to do with them.” Scratch the surface on the present generation and you will find a denial of the power (God).
David Plotz, a contributor to Slate, has written a book “Good Book: The Bizarre, Hilarious, Disturbing, Marvelous, and Inspiring Things I Learned When I Read Every Single Word of the Bible". Through reading the Bible he discovers many interesting things, like the “I have a Dream” speech by Dr. King was crowned with quotations from the book of Amos. But, his conclusion was that he started out as a Jewish agnostic that was indifferent and became a Jewish agnostic that was angry with God if He exists. What caused this anger? Plotz could not understand why God would judge people so harshly for “minor” shortcomings and outright disagreement with what God considers sin. His Jewish friends told him “you can’t know the mind of God” and his Christian friends told him to read the New Testament and understand God’s grace and love. Is God schizophrenic? Not hardly.
What is apparent is that the modern generation does not understand the holiness of God and what God’s standard is for righteousness. Though we have the form of godliness, we deny His power. Could you imagine in the heat of WW II a national debate occurring about same sex marriage? Why are we so afraid today to acknowledge what the Bible says about homosexuality, adultery, sexual promiscuity or pornography? Because our standard is no longer God’s standard. My fear is that we have lost our moral compass, even though we have great form.
3 comments:
There is no doubt a cultural war gong on in this country. Interesting though, India, China, Africa, is growing more in a knowledge of the Jesus and becoming quite a importnant contributor globally economiclly. As God goes, so does the principles, so does ...well you know.
Kathy Thomas said: I think one of the main differences in the two generations is that the post-World War II generation believed in biblical principles much more and yes often did fail. But guilt was felt and morality and right and wrong were not washed away as non-existent. Now we enter into an age where there is fight between the good trying to take a stand in the midst of a culture that is trying to deny that evil exists. Then anything and everything is acceptable. What makes me really sigh with sadness are all the court shows where one is suing another, and most of their cases are based on immorality and greed yet they want a just resolution to their problem. Men's hearts have grown cold but it only makes the ones seeking God and good more alive, more on fire, more hopefully willing to take a stand for what our nation was founded on...
Doug Martin extols the virtues of Miss California and her fervent testimony on Christian marriage. He also bemoans the fact Christians are being targeted during "open season."I propose Doug should have chosen a more honorable witness. Miss California, who may or may not have had implants, chose to represent Jesus in a white bikini thong that did represent the purity of Christ, but the brief message was probably lost. She rang out defiantly to the world, .."I think I believe....'. WOW!! We are sending mixed messages to the world, as the Apostle Paul, called, "doubleminded men." Unstable in our ways. Science calls it cognitive dissonance. It is difficult to believe two opposites at the same time, but somehow we are masters of it. There is an incredible long list of those doubleminded things we do as so-called Christians. No wonder within 50 years the only serious Christians will be on farms in Ohio and Pennsylvania! They litterally keep their hands to the plow and move straight ahead. Not whining at criticisms leveled at them. For God's sake, folks, most of the people running this country call themselves servants of Christ!!! This is one reason atheism is increasing exponentially in America. People are falling away because there is no power exhibited anymore. Oh, man, what if Jesus Christ were the same yesterday, today, and forever! Woops! That is another one we don't believe anymore. We have become a Roman Coliseum beauty pageant with entertainers giving lip service to the Master, while we feast in the bleachers with Nero or whoever is leading, having a ball!!!!!! Let's stop being obscene political apologists and barbecueing each other on the spit of anger, then we won't have so many Christians having "carpel tunnel syndrome" operations. Judgement begins in the House of God, let's quit pointing at everybody else and settle it amongst ourselves. Call me, Bro. Martin, and we will talk. May I call your station number?
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