Week Thirty-Six, 2018
Our “Post-Truth” Culture
By John Grant
“…proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance,” Acts 28:31.
Oxford Dictionaries selected “post-truth” as its international word of the year in 2016. The decision seems appropriate in our relativistic culture. How should we as Christians respond?
There are many Christian denominations that have wandered from spiritual authority and split over social stands. Many have adopted stands that are contrary to Biblical principles.
Are there days when you would prefer to ignore the culture wars, name-calling, and “fake news” in the news? I feel the same way, but Christians have a higher calling.
But, when should we avoid contentious issues? When should we respond to them with biblical truth?
As we look at the current relativistic social and other issues of our time, I can’t think of one that is not directly or indirectly mentioned in the Bible. The Bible is not only a book about religion. It is a book about life and living, dealing with almost every aspect of life.
When I was in public office, I sponsored and the Senate passed a law that provided that marriage was between a man and a woman. Unfortunately, it was later voided by the courts. I did it not because it was popular, though it was. I didn’t do it because I personally felt it was right. I did it because the Bible says it is so.
As Christians, we have a responsibility to speak out on issues of the day and proclaim Biblical truth. We can do so at the voting booth, in our associations with others and whenever we have a chance to speak out.
When we do,
First, be humble. We are all broken people. The person on the other side of the issue is someone God loves as much as He loves us.
Second, be prayerful. Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5) and for the words to speak when called to speak (Luke 12:12).
Third, be courageous. Say with the psalmist, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6).
We are all called to not just worship our faith, but to practice and proclaim it.
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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES
WORRY:
Does something about tomorrow worry you today? Are you facing a decision or dilemma? Begin by surrendering every dimension of this day to your Father (Romans 12:1–2a). He can give his best only to those who leave the choice with him (Romans 12:2b). Jim Denison
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TOO OFTEN……
▪ Religious People Are Obsessed with Recognition
▪ Religious People Elevate Secondary Traditions above a Love for God
▪ Religious People Substitute a Ritual For a Love for God or People
▪ Religious People Are More Aware of the Sins of Others than Their Own Sin
—Ken Whitten
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A SAD STATISTIC:
A recent Gallup poll revealed that the number of US citizens who consider themselves “extremely proud to be an American” has sunk to an 18 year low. In fact, for the first time, the number fell below 50%.
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QUOTES YOU CAN USE
Knowing God’s calling in your life is not enough if you don’t bother to obey and follow it. —Dwight Short
When you see problems in your world, don’t anxiously wring your hands, but rather bend your knees.
If we want to serve our Lord in a skeptical culture, our lives must match our message. —Jim Denison
Your present circumstances don’t determine where you will go, they only determine where you will start. —Nido Qubein, High Point University
Money is only a tool. It can take you many places. But don’t let it replace you as the driver and God as the navigator. —Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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©2018 John Grant | Florida State Senator (Ret.) | 10025 Orange Grove Drive | Tampa, FL 33618