The Lesson ‘Bout Messin’
Nearly every day, we see or hear the sad evidence of yet another moral lapse. Some of these take us by no surprise. Yet, there are others which give us serious pause, and we wonder at the times in which we live. I don’t know that anyone is able to adequately assess our reality in the light of days gone by, but we should not think that yesteryear was free of moral decay. T. D. Jakes remarked recently that these things have always been around though they may have been less obvious. So, whether or not you keep up with the Kardashians, you already have too much information.
To acknowledge that moral lapses are and have always been common is not an excuse but a statement of fact. If you read the Bible at all, you will understand that sexual indiscretions cut across all levels of society. It is a mistake to think that any are immune to the possibility of failure. This is a cautionary warning to everyone, and a great reason that people need a vital relationship with Christ, the church and other believers. Such sins tend to be isolating, and Satan makes quick work of people who are ashamed and alone. Common to man? Some of the most common.
Because a sin is common does not mean that it is to be taken lightly. This is what has happened to “community standards” of morality in my lifetime. The unthinkable has become acceptable to the modern mind. The blood of Christ cleanses from all sins, but human memory does not fade quickly. There are few things that will be as tormenting to an individual as immorality (you name it), and most failures do not carry the baggage of moral turpitude. Men and women are under attack by the wicked one. It is important that we are serious-minded and level-headed in ethical matters
Moral failure can be an opportunistic thing. David saw Bathsheba from his rooftop. I don’t know everything that was behind the event, but I know that it is possible for a person to get into a situation they did not foresee. One the other hand, there are scenarios in which planning and slight-of-hand play major roles. This is no world for casual living. It is also not one for undue worry and unreasonable guilt. A house that is built on rock will stand in a storm. Many there are which build on opinions and fads, but the Word of God is pretty clear on matters of basic morality.
If you want pain, there is no surer road than that of unconcerned and lax morality. See, it’s hard enough if you’re trying to do what’s right. Scripture says not to give the devil a foothold. While he can’t read your mind, Satan knows the snares that have brought ruin to countless lives. Be on your guard. What is wrong may often seem to be right, even desirable, and we have a way of rationalizing what we want. It is heartbreaking to see the bitter end to which much good has come. None of us knows the end which we may reach, but, through faith, the grace of God will keep us even now.
Sterl
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