Daily we learn of new accusations of sexual misdeeds against actors, members of the media, and politicians. Living in a self-made world absent of absolutes, the perpetrators of these acts are undoubtedly shocked to find the court of public opinion has turned against them.
How can this be? How can a society that discarded the idea of absolute truth suddenly agree there is such a thing as right and wrong? How can a society that praises the likes of Hugh Hefner denounce the likes of Harvey Weinstein? How can a society that scoffs at the notion of morality claim to take the moral high ground? The inconsistencies and hypocrisies are breathtaking.
As Abraham viewed from a distance the columns of smoke rising over the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, we observe as the careers of guilty celebrities and public figures go up in flames and down in ashes. The irony of the whole thing is stunning. Those who sought to influence and govern the way we live have failed the test in their own lives.
So how did we arrive at this point? Rejecting the concept of absolute truth, people have lived without rules of any kind, especially rules regarding morality. Casting aside traditional mores as puritanical, narrow-minded and archaic, modern society has embraced the same error of ancient Israel, “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25).
For years people have lived without boundaries. They have colored outside the lines and have been swift to condemn anyone who called attention to the fact as judgmental. But the winds of public opinion have shifted and many are learning the lesson Christians have known all along, “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).
In the crazy world of relativism, what used to be unacceptable can become acceptable. What used to be acceptable can become unacceptable. The rules can change in the middle of the game and without notice. Penalties are then enforced not only for future, but past infractions. It all depends on the changing climate of popular opinion.
As guilty as they may be, it is sad to watch as people come up against the hard reality of Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Paul said, “But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all” (1 Corinthians 12:31).
The best way is God’s way which is based on absolute truth. Embracing absolute truth isn’t just smart, it’s safe! Right is always right. Wrong is always wrong. Don’t depend on Hollywood, the media, or Washington DC for a definition. When it comes to absolute truth, there is only one place to look, “All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal” (Psalm 119:160).
Build your life on the sure foundation of the God’s Word. It never changes, and it never fails!
Pastor Todd Weston