Category: Shadows (Page 11 of 25)

We love to compare quarterbacks, pitchers, NBA centers, tennis players, and golf professionals to see which of the historical greats was the Greatest of All Time. It might be interesting to do the same for biblical leaders and see who carries the title of G.O.A.T. If we can find a few that fit the criteria, let’s see what they had in common and why they were great. Our search is, of course, subjective and varies depending on individual perspectives and religious beliefs. Different people may have different criteria for evaluating any king’s greatness, such as their military successes, political achievements, or religious devotion. We will limit our search to the Bible and its impact on the nation of Israel.

King David (1035 – 970 BC)

(Acts 13:22)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'”

In the biblical tradition, King David is often regarded as making the list of the greatest kings of Israel. David was known for his deep and genuine devotion to God. He sought to follow God’s will and had a strong desire to please Him in all his actions. According to the Hebrew Bible, God made a covenant with David, promising that his descendants would have an everlasting reign and that the future Messiah would come from his lineage. This covenant is known as the Davidic Covenant.

Most know the story of David, a simple shepherd boy, chosen by God as a future king. Saul, the king at the time, mentored David. With a stone slung at Goliath, David’s bravery quickly became a threat to Saul’s greatness. You can read the story in (1 Samuel 23:7-29). Here, we get a glimpse of David’s deep and genuine devotion to God. He sought to follow God’s will and had a strong desire to please Him in all his actions. Later, as a king, David led the Israelites to numerous military victories, expanding the kingdom’s territory and securing its borders. He defeated the Philistines, Moabites, Edomites, Ammonites, and other neighboring nations, establishing a period of relative peace and security.

David brought people together, he was a uniter, not a divider.  His efforts successfully united the northern and southern tribes, establishing a centralized monarchy and creating a stronger, more cohesive nation. He captured the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem and made it his capital, transforming the city into a center of political, religious, and cultural significance. This included bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem.

David’s attributes that we should all aspire to were his spirit to defend his country. He was a skilled warrior and courageous, fair, just, merciful, led with wisdom, and always fought for what was right by God’s standards. David’s story includes that of a humble and repentant sinner, having murdered for the lust of a woman. He acknowledged both his faults and his love for God. In the end, David’s legacy would leave us with both poetry and psalms, an insight into his very soul. As a leader, David protected his people, and his life was blessed by God.

King Solomon (970-931 BC)

(1 Kings 3:9) – “Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

Solomon was David’s son. He is known best for responding to God’s request to prepare him for becoming a king. His response was only to be given wisdom to lead the people (1 Kings 3:1-15). King Solomon always referred to himself as God’s servant, acknowledging his role as a leader responsible for governing God’s people. He is credited with building the First Temple in Jerusalem. This grand temple was considered a magnificent structure and became the center of religious worship for the Israelites. His father David had amassed building materials in preparation for his son to complete the task (1 Chronicles 22:1-10). Solomon played a crucial role in establishing trade alliances and fostering economic growth. He engaged in international trade, forming partnerships with neighboring kingdoms, including Egypt, Phoenicia, and Arabia. Through these trade relationships, Solomon brought great wealth and prosperity to Israel.

Solomon undertook various infrastructure projects to enhance the kingdom’s efficiency and prosperity. He constructed cities, fortified strategic locations, and developed an extensive network of roads to facilitate trade and communication. By originally asking God for the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, Solomon shows his commitment to upholding justice and righteousness in his leadership. He was best known for his wisdom, which was exemplified by his famous judgment in the case of two women claiming to be the mother of the same child (1 Kings 3:16-28). His wise decision to split the baby in half, thus revealing the true mother’s love and sacrifice, demonstrated his ability to discern truth and apply justice. Solomon’s prayers demonstrate his faith and reliance on God for guidance and direction in fulfilling his role as king. King Solomon is traditionally attributed authorship or inspiration for several biblical books, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. These writings contain philosophical insights, moral teachings, and expressions of love and desire, contributing to Israelite literature and culture.

Solomon’s reign was relatively peaceful, allowing him to focus on building up Israel’s military strength and fortifying its defenses. This ensured the safety and security of his kingdom, protecting the people from external threats. His diplomatic skills and alliances helped maintain peace and stability in the region. Through strategic marriages, he forged alliances with neighboring kings, strengthening political ties, and fostering peace between kingdoms. Solomon was not without his weaknesses. He married foreign wives who brought their idolatrous practices into the kingdom, leading Solomon to worship false gods and neglect his commitment to the God of Israel. His affluence may have led to extravagance, excessive taxation, and burden on the people, causing dissatisfaction among his subjects. Solomon’s failure to designate a clear and capable successor led to instability after his death. His reign marked the beginning of a decline that eventually led to the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah.

King Hezekiah (approximately 715-686 BC)

(2 Kings 18:5) – “Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him.”

Hezekiah was the 13th successor of David, reigning in Judah’s southern kingdom. He reigned for 29 years, beginning at age 25 (2 Kings 18:2). As a member of this royal lineage, Hezekiah would have likely been familiar with the traditions and stories surrounding David and Solomon. There is no specific mention, however, of their influence on his education in biblical accounts. Hezekiah had a reputation as one of the most righteous and reform-minded kings of the Bible. Hezekiah’s faith and trust in God were central to his reign. He sought God’s guidance and relied on Him in times of difficulty and decision-making. He sought to remove idolatry from the kingdom of Judah (southern) and restore the proper worship of the God of Israel. When Hezekiah took power, the Temple in Jerusalem was closed. He reopened the doors, made repairs, and reinstated the observance of the Passover and other religious festivals according to the laws of Moses.

King Hezekiah then embarked on a campaign to remove pagan altars, idols, and high places dedicated to false gods throughout the kingdom. He tore down the high places and the “bronze serpent” (an object of idolatrous worship) that had been associated with the worship of the Canaanite deity Baal. Hezekiah had an unwavering trust in God. When the Assyrian empire threatened to invade Judah, he sought divine guidance and turned to God for help. Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah implored God for deliverance, and according to the biblical account, God miraculously intervened and saved Jerusalem from the Assyrian army. While facing the threat of an Assyrian siege, Hezekiah initiated a remarkable engineering project to secure the water supply for Jerusalem. He ordered the construction of a tunnel that diverted the water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam, ensuring a reliable water source within the city walls.

Hezekiah was known for his commitment to following God’s commandments and leading the people of Judah to do the same. Hezekiah emphasized the importance of education and sought to promote knowledge and understanding among his people. He encouraged the study of the Law of Moses and ensured that priests and Levites were well-versed in its teachings. The king worked to improve the economic and administrative infrastructure of Judah. He organized the kingdom’s resources, implemented measures to increase agricultural productivity, and fortified various cities to defend against external threats. Hezekiah’s reign contributed to a period of stability, religious revival, and cultural growth in the Kingdom of Judah and left a lasting impact on the spiritual and political development of the nation of Israel.

Attributes of the Greatest of Them All

Choosing the greatest Old Testament king is no easy task. There are, however, common characteristics that stand out. Here is a partial list:

• A strong faith in God.
• Followed God’s Laws.
• They were not perfect. It speaks to the gift of God’s forgiveness and grace that is so visible in our Bible.
• These men loved their nation. Nothing deterred them from protecting the people they served.
• They removed the past mistakes of prior kings. The religious beliefs of their nation were rebuilt, and cults were removed (the exception being Solomon).
• The infrastructure of their nation was improved for the benefit of its people.
• They united people around the “Love of God.”
• Their wisdom has stood the test of time.

Picking the G.O.A.T

David was the warrior, leading his people through tumultuous times. He was favored by God, whose covenant established the lineage to bring us our Savior, Jesus Christ. Solomon’s humble request for wisdom gained his favor with God. But the riches and lifestyle he led planted the seeds of destruction for his nation. My vote is for Hezekiah, a king willing to undo the damage of past mistakes. Hezekiah thought only of his people, leading them to a lasting faith in God that endures even today. He went against great odds to bring his nation back to God. This lesson shows that a nation’s leader, a family leader, and a business leader can learn from history. Every attribute in our list is beneficial and necessary for our society and our nation to prosper.

Contemplations

• Who would you pick as G.O.A.T. and why?
  • Ideas to Explore: The Imperfections of David The wisdom and humility of Solomon The commitment to God of Hezekiah
• Of the obvious attributes we have looked at here, what one stands out to you?
  • Ideas to Explore: Why did you choose the one you did? What experiences have you had that influenced your decision?
• What is your opinion on the “Faith” component that our three kings all had?
  • Ideas to Explore: Can you be a G.O.A.T. without God? Is a person’s greatness limited to this world or the eternal world?
• Two of our candidates for greatness were imperfect, sinful people, and the third was no doubt imperfect; it is just that no one wrote down his sins. How does that make you feel?
  • Ideas to Explore: Can someone be great without forgiveness? Can someone be happy without forgiveness?
• Do you see a relationship between someone’s love of country and the love of God?
  • Ideas to Explore: What is greatness? Does wealth or power mean anything in the long run?

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  NIV New International Version Translations

Imago Dei is the Latin translation for “Image of God” as found in Genesis, our creation story. It is significant because this establishes the principle that every human being has inherent value and worth. Understanding one’s ancestry should provide us with a sense of belonging and identity, enabling people to appreciate and connect with their heritage, traditions, and customs. Human history is one of identical beginnings. Humanity started as one culture, language, and set of values. In other words, we are all part of the same “human race” emanating from God’s image and His character.

(Genesis 1:27)¹NIV New International Version Translations– “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

This simple statement embedded in God’s Word establishes our belief in having been created in the image of God (emphasis on the worth and dignity of every individual). All human beings possess a unique and intrinsic value that isn’t dependent on such things as accomplishments, abilities, color, or social status. God commands us then to respect human life, have compassion for those in need, and pursue justice and equality on behalf of those who have been disenfranchised within our world. Being made in the image of God implies that humans can have a relationship with their Creator. It signifies that we share a unique connection with God, thus allowing for communication, worship, and a sense of belonging. It is through this relationship that we can find comfort, guidance, and a sense of purpose in life.

The bottom line is that humans are different than all other forms of life! No living creature on our earth has been gifted with our privileges. “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” (Psalm 73:28). Because we are all related, our Creator extends to us His protection.

(Genesis 9:5-6) – “And for your lifeblood, I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each human being, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of another human being. “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.”

The belief in “Imago Dei” also suggests that humans possess unique qualities and abilities that set them apart from the rest of creation. It implies that individuals have the capacity for creativity, rationality, self-awareness, and spiritual experiences. Humans can inspire other individuals to discover and develop their full potential, seeking to fulfill their purpose and contribute positively to the world. But then there was this thing called free will. We were granted complete freedom to make choices, even ignore our Creator. Much like human relationships, our relationship with God was established on voluntary principles. We all know the story; humanity destroyed its relationship with God. However, because we are “Imago Dei,” God came to us as His Incarnate self and offered each of us redemption and restoration. It is the belief in Christ that should provide comfort and assurance of divine grace, forgiveness, and the possibility of spiritual growth and renewal. God is humanity’s hope!

There are also moral implications attached to being created in God’s image. If, as humans, we reflect on God’s image for a moment, we can find certain qualities and virtues that reflect God’s character. These godly characteristics form the foundation for ethical behavior and the pursuit of moral values in our world. Christ sums up God beautifully with His prayer, “Our Father.” Like a father, God cares for us. He teaches, punishes, forgives, and loves. These are some of the same characteristics of humanity that are on display in our interactions with others.

(John 3:16-17) – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Our World Today

We are experiencing a world where the innocent are being punished and the guilty are praised and rewarded! Rulers, government leaders,  and an unseen bureaucracy create restrictive laws of the land while ignoring God’s Laws. They are profiteers, working at the expense of humanity. Our justice system has brought us more crimes against the innocent. If then, people have the skill to overcome this behavior,  our question should be how can we fix things? As a world and nation, we have been here before. The response was that godly leaders gave us a Constitution based on our Creator’s plan for this world. It is time to value it and follow it again!

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. (1787)”

If humanity is to ever claim an inheritance of God-like characteristics from Imago Dei, we must use those godly characteristics to improve our world. The leaders of our country, and of our world must also be godly people. Both the responsibility and accountability of this task rests with us. In a representative government, we have no one to blame but ourselves for the mess we have today.

Respect for Individual Rights: A free society upholds the protection and respect for individual rights, including fundamental liberties such as freedom of speech, assembly, religion, and the right to private property. Recognizing and safeguarding these rights provides the foundation for personal freedom and the ability to express oneself freely. God promotes values such as justice, fairness, and compassion.  “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Treating others as you would like to be treated is a pretty good summation, don’t you think? That is the kind of respect and individual rights our God gives us.

Rule of Law: The rule of law ensures that laws apply equally to all members of society, including those in positions of power. It establishes a framework that governs behavior, promotes fairness, and provides a predictable and consistent legal system. A free society requires a robust legal framework that protects individual rights, promotes justice, and prevents the arbitrary exercise of power. In fact, God is the Law and justly applies the Law to all.

(Romans 13:1-7) – “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”

The value of conscience and religious freedom: The Bible upholds the value of conscience and the freedom to worship and follow one’s religious beliefs. For example, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul defends the freedom of conscience and the right to worship according to one’s faith in passages such as (Romans 14) and (1 Corinthians 8). Limited government can help protect these freedoms by refraining from excessive interference in matters of personal belief and religious practice. God gives you the right to make a choice. The logical choice is Imago Dei.

Economic Freedom: Protection of property rights, free markets, and voluntary exchange is important for a free society. It allows individuals to pursue their economic interests, promotes entrepreneurship, innovation, and prosperity, and fosters an environment that encourages individual initiative and self-reliance. “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves” (1 Peter 2:16). This is but a sampling of the generosity of our God.

Individual responsibility and accountability: The Bible emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability before God. This suggests that individuals should have the freedom to make choices and be accountable for their actions.  A limited government can provide the space for individuals to exercise their judgment and bear the consequences of their decisions. “So then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). What else would you expect from a Creator who is responsible and accountable to His creation?

God as the ultimate authority: The Bible places God as the ultimate authority over human affairs. This implies that human governments must operate within the limits set by God and respect the inherent rights and freedoms of individuals. “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’” (Acts 5:29). There should never be any confusion.

Limited Government: In a free society, government power is limited and restrained to prevent its encroachment on individual liberties. This includes checks and balances among the branches of government, separation of powers, and mechanisms for accountability and transparency. A limited government framework helps prevent the concentration of power and protects against potential abuses. “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, his upper rooms by injustice, making his own people work for nothing, not paying them for their labor ” (Jeremiah 2:13). God expects that the leaders of His earthly kingdom are moving the people to depend on God and not become more dependent upon government.

Civic Engagement and Participation: The active engagement and participation of citizens in the democratic process are critical for the sustainability of a free society. This includes informed voting, expressing opinions, peaceful assembly, and involvement in community and civil society organizations. An engaged citizenry helps ensure accountability, representation, and the collective shaping of public policies. “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7). God is involved in our world. We should be involved too!

Justice and Fairness: The Bible consistently promotes principles of justice, fairness, and concern for the poor and marginalized. Economic freedom, when accompanied by a just and equitable society, can provide opportunities for individuals to flourish and for resources to be distributed more fairly, reducing poverty, and enabling individuals to live with dignity. This, however, does not negate the necessity for repentance. The idea of individuals changing direction in their lives is a mainstay of the principles of salvation. There has never been a free pass for sin! “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) Justice is not complex if you apply God’s Laws and standards to its application.

Stewardship and Provision: The Bible teaches principles of stewardship and provision, emphasizing the responsibility to manage resources wisely and to provide for oneself and others. Economic freedom, such as the ability to pursue personal endeavors and engage in entrepreneurship, can create opportunities for individuals to fulfill their responsibilities and provide for their families and communities. Such a society removes the necessity for governmental programs that too often work in opposition to the benefits brought by creativity and hard work.

(Matthew 5:13-16) – “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Conclusion

The characteristics necessary to build a healthy society are the same as those we have inherited from our Creator. While God has many more (See God’s Characteristics Here), we have been given what is necessary to make our world a better place. Humanity has no excuse. We also have the benefit of knowing the history of Christ on Earth. Here we get to see, in human form, the characteristics of God at work. Therefore, humanity’s job must be to use its gifts to embrace, lift, and help spread God’s Kingdom so our world can hope again.

(2 Corinthians 5:17) – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Contemplations

• What do you place your hope in?
  • Ideas to Explore: Digital Currency, your investments, your knowledge and position in the world, your net worth, your humility before God, Jesus, or just God?
• How would you bring God back to our country?
  • Ideas to Explore: Change the goals of education, elect more godly people, shrink the secret bureaucracy, and hold leaders and media accountable for telling the Truth.
• What is your strategy for living?
  • Ideas to Explore: Hide in the basement, attend church and ignore the world, be active and engaged, raise godly children, and stand firm for our Constitutional rights. Please name your plan.
• What will you do tomorrow to help our world?
  • Ideas to Explore: Pay attention to the issues and problems, seek to find the causes, and actively pursue solutions.

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  NIV New International Version Translations

Deuteronomy 28:43-44 is a passage from the Old Testament that takes us back to a covenant between God and the Israelites. This passage is part of the blessings and curses pronounced by Moses on the Israelites. It was a conditional statement that depended on obedience or disobedience to God’s commands. You remember, the Big 10!

(Deuteronomy 28:43-44)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “The foreigners who reside among you will rise above you higher and higher, but you will sink lower and lower. They will lend to you, but you will not lend to them. They will be the head, but you will be the tail.”

In this context of God’s covenant with the Israelites, it was a warning of the consequences of disobedience. Should the Israelites turn away from God and His commandments, they would experience a reversal of fortune, with foreigners and strangers rising above them as part of God’s judgment. We can take from this that God takes sin seriously! When He finds it in His people, God chastises and disciplines them for their disobedience! Like any good parent, God applies discipline to correct bad behavior. He does this individually as well as nationally. The question before us, therefore, is whether God still cares enough about His world, our nation, to discipline His creation, to discipline us.

If you believe that there is a God who is still active in our world, we would expect to see His footprints in our history. The warnings in Deuteronomy offer a glimpse of what God’s discipline might look like. Each of us must reconcile the many periods of foreign oppression, wars, and even exile for some, as to whether these are but part of the fulfillment of the warnings in this passage. The world has been told many times that obedience to God’s commands is essential for its well-being. When people turn away from God’s guidance, they may find themselves in a state of decline and subservience, both individually, as a community, and as a nation. Is there evidence that this is happening today?

There are three things this verse in Deuteronomy tells us we should see in our nation if its warnings are relevant. These are:

• An “invasion” of foreigners from abroad!
• The “control of wealth” shifting to the foreigners!
• A shift in “power,” away from our nation’s people to foreigners!

Invasion

The Hebrew word used for “foreigner” is “ger,” an alien. To help us with our definitions, let us establish that to be a foreigner or an alien, one must be a person born in or coming from a country other than our own. “No one from the east or the west or the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another “(Psalm 75:6-7). The previous Psalm helps us to understand part of the caution in Deuteronomy. A nation’s success or prosperity is not dependent on anything in their nation or any natural advantages or resources. It is not based on any human skill or special power a nation might hold. It is dependent on God alone. The foreigners in Deuteronomy are doing more than visiting. They are integrating into society, living among the citizens of that nation. The question only you can answer is: Are we being invaded? Over five million people have entered our country illegally in just the past two years. Estimates are over 16 million in total. We do not know who many of them are, or the reasons for their entry. (See Lostpine’s Study: Immigration and the Bible – Lostpine).

Wealth

Next, we need to look at who will have (at least control of) the money! The question here is whether the hard-working citizens are the ones in control or is it the “invaders.” When you are a lender, you are wealthy and in control. A borrower has lost control of their resources. In other words, God has taken their wealth from them.

(Proverbs 22:7) – “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”

This is a link to the National Debt Clock. Please click on it to see the real-time debt of our nation (https://www.usdebtclock.org/). Sitting now at over 33 trillion dollars, that is over a $578,000+ liability for each citizen that must be paid back someday. The debt is so large that our children and grandchildren will receive our lack of financial discipline as their inheritance from us. It will take many generations to pay this debt. From a Biblical perspective, Deuteronomy reminds us of the importance of treating strangers and sojourners fairly and justly. The consequences, however, of our debt are just one example of our society’s failure to uphold these principles. Are those entering our nation being misled by promises of great riches? Are the citizens who have created this great country watching their wealth being squandered by our leaders? Should some of those “foreigners” choose to become citizens, they also will share in the debt. “Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.” (Proverbs 22:26-27). Foreign wealth continues to influence our elections and justice system.

Power

The question at hand is whether the people in our country still have power. The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins with the famous words, “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union…” This opening statement underscores that the Constitution is a product of the people’s will and seeks to establish a government that serves the people’s interests. Our Constitution established a system of representative democracy, where the people elect representatives to make decisions on the people’s behalf. This is evident in the structure of Congress (House of Representatives and Senate) as well as state and local governments. The Constitution includes a process for amending the document, which allows for changes and additions based on the evolving will of the people. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, protect the people’s rights and liberties. Only you can answer the question, are the people still in charge? “They will lend to you, but you will not lend to them. They will be the head, but you will be the tail” (Deuteronomy 28:44). As a reminder, the American Revolution was fraught with currency control, taxes, debt, eventually a complete attempt to remove colonial freedoms. It was a costly road to travel down.

What do you see on the horizon?

Population Growth is driven primarily by births and immigration. Like many other developed countries, the United States has an aging population. The baby boomer generation is reaching retirement age, placing pressure on healthcare, social security, and the labor force. The lack of clear immigration policies is having a substantial impact on the composition and growth of the population. The U.S. population is becoming increasingly diverse, with significant growth in Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial populations. Population shifts within the United States have begun as people seek better economic opportunities, job markets, and concerns over personal safety. Natural disasters and climate change will also influence population shifts. For example, some coastal areas may see population declines due to sea-level rise and increased vulnerability to extreme weather events. These, by the way, are real events. What is controversial is how humanity can impact them.

The U.S. Constitution has three areas that describe the solution. They are:

• Article I, Section 8: This section grants Congress the power to levy taxes, regulate commerce, and make laws necessary and proper for the execution of its powers. These powers are given exclusively to Congress, not the bureaucracy, and are to be exercised on behalf of the people. They are subject to the people’s input through fair elections.
• Article II: The President, whom the people elect through the Electoral College, is the head of the executive branch of government and is accountable to the people.
• Article III: The federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court, interprets and applies the Constitution, ensuring that the government’s actions are in line with the principles and rights protected by the Constitution. The judiciary does not create laws or alter the U.S. Constitution. Only the “people’s representatives” do! Unless the laws are justly and fairly applied, our Constitution offers nothing to the benefit of the people.

Governments must exist to serve the will and interests of the people they represent. The Constitution outlines a process and system of government in which the people retain the power to elect their representatives, participate in the amendment process, and hold their leaders accountable through democratic processes. But let’s go back to the beginning. It is also all about sin and who is in charge. We must, as a nation, bring God back to our families, schools, and governments. God’s Truth must rule again! We must find leaders who have humble hearts and can lead us back to God. We will not win without God. We cannot win without God! But with God on our side, how can we lose? “Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. ~ William Penn

(Psalm 60:12-13) – “Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. With God, we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.”

Contemplations

• What are the issues before our nation that you see?
  • Ideas to Explore: Are you happy with the status quo? Is our present debt a problem? What do you see as the risks of uncontrolled immigration?
• Why do you think our nation believes that it can survive without God’s assistance?
  • Ideas to Explore: Ungodly leadership, removal of God from society, the love of self and sin, the influence of destructive people, a declining educational system, biased media, please add to the list.
• Do you think our nation still believes in God?
  • Ideas to Explore: Where is the evidence?
• Can existential threats such as climate, immigration, debt, energy, war, and even racism be solved without God?
  • Ideas to Explore: The American Revolution, and the creation of the U.S. Constitution were all done with full reliance on the providence of God. Can peace and prosperity exist without God?

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  NIV New International Version Translations

During the period when Jerusalem had active gates in its walls (2,000 to 3,000 years ago), those gates served as the entry and exit points where people would come and go throughout the day. Those gates became popular social hubs where people could meet, interact, and exchange information. Travelers and merchants brought news from their places of origin or the areas they had recently visited.  Given the lack of widespread literacy, oral communication played a crucial role in news dissemination. The “gates” acted as the “watchmen” for society.

With the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, specifically around 1440-1450, there was a significant turning point in how news was spread. The printing press revolutionized the process of producing written material, including books, pamphlets, and newspapers. The printing press contributed to the development of journalism as a profession. The availability of printed news publications led to the emergence of dedicated news organizations and the establishment of newspapers. Journalists could now investigate, report, and analyze news in a more systematic and organized manner, shaping the modern practice of journalism. Newspapers, printed media along with discerning journalists became the new watchmen of our society. Today, printed news is shrinking as a medium, and “Cable News,” electronic transmission of information, is the principal source of news information. Our watchmen became the news anchors and celebrities of radio and television.

(Ezekiel 33:6)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.’”

God has always held the role of watchman in the highest regard. Biblical watchmen served as a nation’s guards. They were responsible for protecting towns and military installations from surprise enemy attacks and other potential dangers. Ancient Israelite cities often stationed watchmen on high walls or in watchtowers. Their job was to keep watch and warn the townspeople of impending threats. The Hebrew word, “tsaphah,” translated means “one who looks out,” “one who spies,” or “one who watches.” Watchmen safeguarded fields and vineyards during harvest time (Isaiah 5:1–2; Matthew 21:33; Mark 12:1) and acted as sentinels who announced the start of a new day (Psalm 130:6; Isaiah 21:11–12). God’s prophets were spiritual watchmen.

(Ezekiel 33:7-9) – “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.”

The question we should all ask is what has happened to the role of the investigative journalist, our watchmen today? Does God still care about what news His people hear? Let’s look at a few trends in today’s media and compare them to God’s Truth on the subject.

Investigative journalism is a form of journalism in which reporters deeply research a single topic of interest, such as serious crimes, political corruption, or corporate wrongdoing. Misinformation, on the other hand, is spreading or believing in false or inaccurate information without questioning its validity or seeking reliable sources. “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps (Proverbs 14:15).” This Proverbs highlights the importance of being discerning and thoughtful rather than easily believing everything one hears. Both the journalist and the citizen are held to this standard. God first lays the responsibility at our feet. Not pursuing knowledge is intellectual laziness. To have a lack of curiosity or effort to explore, learn, or research a subject, resulting in superficial knowledge or reliance on assumptions does not fit our biblical standards. “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out (Proverbs 18:15).” When we spread unverified facts, we harm our friends and neighbors. “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another (Ephesians 4:25).” This verse encourages honesty and truthfulness in our interactions with others, implying the importance of avoiding falsehood and deceit.

Today, our society is being taught to dismiss or ignore the opinions, experiences, or expertise of others, leading to a narrow understanding and an inability to learn from different viewpoints. “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice (Proverbs 12:15).” This verse emphasizes the importance of listening to advice and considering the perspectives of others. It contrasts the wisdom of those who are open to input with the foolishness of those who stubbornly believe they are always right.

(Proverbs 18:2) – “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”

This verse above highlights the tendency of fools to prioritize expressing their own opinions over seeking understanding. It suggests that a refusal to listen and understand can be a characteristic of folly. This can be seen today using slogans, bigotry, and hatred embedded in our news. Stereotyping holds biased or simplistic views about individuals or groups based on limited or flawed information, leading to generalizations and unfair judgments.

(James 2:1-4) – “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there,’ or, ‘Sit down at my feet,’ have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”

The verse above from the Book of James highlights the importance of avoiding partiality, unfair judgments, and favoritism. It warns against making distinctions and treating individuals differently based on their external appearances, such as wealth or social status. By doing so, the verse suggests that people engage in unfair judgments and become judges with evil motives. Our correct response should be to treat all individuals with equal respect and dignity, rather than making assumptions or judgments based on limited or superficial information. Whatever happened to people keeping an open mind? Today, our media holds to a rigid mindset and is resistant to new ideas, alternative perspectives, or information that challenges their preconceived notions.  “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice (Proverbs 19:20).”

Finally, there is the proverbial resistance to change. This is being resistant to new knowledge or ideas, and clinging to outdated beliefs or traditions despite evidence to the contrary. It can also be the continued references to those facts that have been discredited as false. We see every day how our media publishes outdated beliefs. The role of an investigative journalist is to evaluate and examine everything, holding on to that which is good and true.

(1 Thessalonians 5:21) – “Test everything. Hold on to the good.”

The term “Ignorance” refers to a lack of knowledge, understanding, or awareness about a particular subject or topic. It is the state of being uninformed, uninstructed, or unaware of something. Ignorance manifests in various ways, such as a lack of information, misconceptions, or the absence of critical thinking skills. Society believes that ignorance is a temporary condition, remedied through education, learning, and the acquisition of knowledge. However, it is different from willful or deliberate ignorance, where individuals intentionally choose to ignore or reject information despite the availability of information to the contrary. Today, investigative journalism is dead. Opinion news is alive and well. Fixing journalism will take the re-education of our world in God’s Truths. Restoring today’s media to the role of watchman will require repentance and the forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23).”

(Ephesians 4:18) – “They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.”

Contemplations

• What do you do to assure yourself that the “news” you hear is correct?
  • Ideas to Explore: Use multiple and opposing sources. Fact-check yourself. Seek contrary opinions from respected friends? Compare what you hear and see to God’s Truths exposed in His Word.
• History tells us that evil first strikes at the communication systems of a nation. Do you believe that?
  • Ideas to Explore: How much do you know about World War II? What about the Vietnam War? Is news biased toward a two-tier justice system? Can you identify things that are true and things that are not true?
• Do you believe that the movement to remove a parent’s rights concerning their children is OK?
  • Ideas to Explore: How does something as basic as parental rights slip away from parents? Is it because we elect the wrong people, or has the media misinformed us of the real problem?
• Who are our honest watchmen today?
  • Ideas to Explore: What people or groups of people are researching the issues, telling the truth to us?
• Every country that ever went to war had watchmen to tell them why it was time to fight. Every country that ever lost a war, understands why we need honest watchmen. How big do you think the problem is?
  • Ideas to Explore: Are you sure you believe the right facts? How are you sure? Does what you believe line up with God’s Truth?

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  NIV New International Version Translations

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is a well-known story from the New Testament (Luke 10:25-37). The Parable of the Good Samaritan tells the story of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, and while on the way he is robbed of everything he had, including his clothing, and is beaten to within an inch of his life. That road was treacherous, with many turns that were favorite hideouts of robbers and thieves. We might compare it today to a transit ride into New York City. Recently, on a New York transit train, politicians of both major parties have used the parable in both the defense and rebuke of a “stand your ground” act. This study will not directly look at the events in New York. However, it is worth our time to see exactly what this parable was about and what it teaches us.

(Luke 10:25-37) ¹NIV New International Version Translations– “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ’Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’ He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.’ But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ In reply, Jesus said:  ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ ‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”

Jesus answers the question with a question: “He said to him, ’What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’” (Luke 10:26). By referring to the Law, Jesus is directing the man who asked him a question to an authority they both would accept as truth, the Old Testament. He is asking the scribe, what does Scripture say about this and how does he interpret it? Jesus thus avoids an argument and puts Himself in the position of evaluating the scribe’s answer instead of the scribe evaluating His answer. This directs the discussion toward Jesus’ intended lesson. The scribe answers Jesus’ question by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. This is virtually the same answer that Jesus had given before to similar questions in Matthew 22 and Mark 12.

Compassion and Kindness: The parable highlights the importance of showing compassion and kindness towards others, particularly those in need. The Samaritan, who is traditionally seen as an outsider or enemy by the Jews, demonstrates extraordinary compassion by helping a stranger who was beaten and left half-dead on the roadside. It encourages individuals to extend their care and assistance to those who are suffering or in distress, regardless of their background or social status.

Overcoming Prejudice and Discrimination: The parable challenges the prevailing prejudices and biases of its time. The Samaritans and Jews had a history of animosity and religious differences, but the parable emphasizes that acts of kindness and mercy should transcend such divisions. It encourages people to overcome their biases and treat others with love and respect, regardless of their differences.

Practical Love and Service: The parable emphasizes the importance of taking practical action to help others. The Samaritan not only felt compassion but also acted on it by bandaging the victim’s wounds, taking him to an inn, and providing for his care. It teaches that love and service should go beyond mere words or sentiments and should be expressed through tangible actions.

Compassion is an intrinsic human quality that arises from empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to alleviate suffering or help others. It is a voluntary expression of care and concern. While laws and statutes can promote and encourage compassionate behavior, they cannot directly force or compel individuals to feel compassionate. Legislation and policies can create a supportive environment that encourages empathy and compassion, even providing resources, social services, and protections for vulnerable populations. They can also establish frameworks for addressing social issues and promoting justice and equality. However, the motivation behind compassionate actions ultimately comes from within individuals and cannot be coerced solely through laws or statutes.

Jesus used the parable to answer the question, “Who is my neighbor?” The parable broadens the definition of neighbor to include anyone in need, irrespective of their race, religion, or social standing. It emphasizes the universal call to love and care for one another, reminding people that everyone is their neighbor and deserving of their help and support.

Using the parable to describe the New York Transit Event

Before we can overlay the parable onto a specific event, there are critical points to identify.  There were two victims in the transit train, one was being attacked. The other is a long-term felon responsible for the attack. He too, was a victim. With over 40 arrests, he was never helped by our society. Good samaritans would intervene to stop the attack. In defending the victim, the felon died at the hands of an intercessor. Our parable has different characters that need understanding. There were “robbers,” the people responsible for the attack on the victim. There were the priest and the Levite, who knew God’s Law; the victim; and those who chose not to get involved. Finally, there was the “good Samaritan,” the person who interceded. You have the same characters in our contemporary story on the New York train. You even have the silent witnesses, the ones who knew better, riding on the train. A few helped in the defense of the victim. There is the “perpetrator, the aggressor,” the one that New York’s justice system had failed to reform or help. There is the “victim,” the one who could not defend themselves, and you have the “intercessors,” the persons who were compelled by compassion to help. True compassion is a personal and voluntary response to the needs of others, driven by genuine care and concern. The lack of enforcement of societal norms and expectations has become a moving target and rarely aligns with God’s Word. District attorneys justify the release of felons and the lack of restorative justice in the name of compassion. It calls for us to be careful about exactly how we define victimhood. A misguided system of justice caused the need for people of compassion to become involved in New York and seek self-defense.

Personal Responsibility: The parable highlights an individual’s responsibility to help others. It contrasts the actions of the priest and the Levite, who passed by the wounded man without stopping to help with the Samaritan’s compassionate response. It challenges individuals to examine their actions and attitudes, encouraging them to take personal responsibility for showing kindness and compassion. The parable presents the act of helping the disadvantaged as a moral imperative, highlighting the importance of personal character and ethical behavior.

The parable shows a single act of compassion towards one person in need. It emphasizes the immediate and direct impact an individual can have on another’s life. In contrast, governmental policies aim to address systemic issues and often have a broader scope, aiming to help a more significant number of disadvantaged individuals and communities. Politicians introducing Jesus’ parable into their mantra step out on thin ice. It is the heart of the good Samaritan that is the lesson, not the societal rules that might mandate equity or social justice programs. To examine who is right and who is wrong, we need to address the human hearts involved!

It is important to understand that the parable of the Good Samaritan addressing the disadvantaged serves a specific purpose. The parable focuses on moral and individual transformation, inspiring people to exhibit compassion and kindness in their personal lives. In Jesus’ parable, we see that the good Samaritan used his resources voluntarily to benefit the victim. This would have been a very different story if the Samaritan leaders had reached into the good Samaritan’s purse or citizens’ taxes to pay the victim’s bills. Or worse yet, determined that the “robbers” were the victims and gave them free resources, including a free room at the inn in the hope of deterring future crimes.    

Yes, we are called to compassion: (Ephesians 4:32} – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Yes, we are granted the right to self-defense: (Luke 22:36) — “He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.’”

Contemplations

• Where do we learn compassion?
  • Ideas to Explore: Family, school, church, experience?
• Does God call us to be generous to everyone, even those who have no need?
  • Ideas to Explore: Laws, statutes, governmental regulations.
• Can you force someone to be compassionate?
  • Ideas to Explore: To those who have no need? How about those who are mentally ill? What about the homeless on drugs? How would you handle each group?
• Do you believe in the right of self-defense?
  • Ideas to Explore: How was your opinion formed? Where in Scripture do you find support for your opinion?
• How would you prioritize the rights of those in the Parable of the Good Samaritan?
  • Ideas to Explore: The citizens of Samaria, the government of Samaria, the Priest and Levite, the robbers, the Good Samaritan, the innkeeper, and the victim?
• Does compassion count if it is done with someone else’s resources?
  • Ideas to Explore: Can someone be forced to be compassionate?

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  NIV New International Version Translations

Did you ever wonder what sin Adam and Eve committed that was so egregious that it resulted in humanity’s separation from God? If you thought it was about some kind of fruit, you are way off target. The idea of some type of fruit, an apple, comes from Genesis and human imagination.

(Genesis 2:17)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die.”

One way to interpret Genesis is along the lines of a metaphor, a figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate another, thus making an implicit comparison. We then might conclude that there was a specific command that God had given Adam and Eve and that breaking that command would lead to death. At the time of the “Fruit Incident,” Adam and Eve were living without the threat of death. Here, we see the destructive power of “free will” in humanity. Our first couple were willing to give up everything—paradise—for the knowledge their Creator possessed. The tree of knowledge of good and evil represented a boundary set by God. Whether this was a test of obedience and trust, we will not know for sure until we reach eternity ourselves. But by eating the “fruit of the tree,” Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command and chose to obtain the “knowledge of good and evil for themselves.” We know the end of that story: sin and death came into the world.

The first negative impact of sin was to make people ashamed of their nakedness. They covered themselves with fig leaves. This is the sin of becoming self-centered and focused on themselves. That specific sin is still alive and well today. When they became focused on themselves, their souls were no longer in communion with their God. Adam and Eve’s temporal physical bodies now had control. And what was God’s response to their separation? God reacted immediately to reinstate Adam and Eve’s connection to Him. To leave them disconnected was to abandon His creation to evil (the Serpent). God then made the first sacrifices in history to cover their nakedness and bring them into fellowship with Him again.

(Genesis 3:21) – “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. And the Lord God said, ‘The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.’ So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken.”

It is worth a moment to pause here and notice that there were more beings than God existing at that time. God used the phrase “The man has now become like one of us.” We must also assume that evil also existed before creation. In God’s original plan, He had intended to create a world protecting it from evil. Eternal life existed before the creation of humankind! God’s plan for us was an eternal world without sin, a paradise. In (Genesis 2), we are told that there were two named trees in the Garden of Eden, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. When Adam and Eve ate fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, this was a sin against God, since He had commanded them not to do so. After this, God indicates that they will not be allowed to eat again from the Tree of Life since doing so would allow them to live forever. Adam and Eve had been eating from the Tree of Life, enjoying the benefits of eternal life. The Tree of Life appears in both the opening and closing chapters of the Bible (Genesis 2-3 and Revelation 22). The Tree of Life is a symbol of God’s life-giving presence and the fullness of eternal life now available only through our redemption by Jesus Christ.

In traditional Christian teaching, original sin is the result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God when they ate a forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. They were separating from God, which brought dissatisfaction and guilt into their lives. We tend to try to explain away all sin, genocide, war, cruelty, exploitation, and abuse by assigning blame to Adam and Eve. But not so fast! Since sin entered our paradise, humanity has gone all out to take advantage of the world’s sin. The question should be how to get out of this quandary.

Sin is not a misfortune; it is a crime against God. Sinners do not deserve pity and compassion; they freely choose to sin. God is not responsible for humanity’s sins. If we stand around and blame God, we are building a wall between us and God. To give those who are unsaved excuses contradicts the Bible. Humanity is without excuse! Since the moment that God covered the naked Adam and Eve, He has been actively working to bring humanity permanently back into fellowship with Him. God has also been working to remove the barrier of sin that was created so long ago.

(Genesis 3:15) – “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush[b] your head, and you will strike his heel.”

God passes an immediate sentence, and the punishment begins right where the sin began, with the serpent.  Satan, too, is sentenced to be degraded and accursed by God. Satan will be detested by all mankind. Note that the plan to destroy Satan through a Redeemer is signified by the crushing of the serpent’s head. God then makes Adam and Eve a gracious promise to deliver them from the power of Satan. By their faith in God, our first parents were justified and saved by faith. The Redeemer is to come in flesh, an incarnation, as the seed of a woman.

(Hebrews 2:11-14) – “Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, ‘I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly, I will sing your praises.’ And again, ‘I will put my trust in him.’ And again he says, ‘Here am I, and the children God has given me.’ Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil”

And what did God require of humanity? It would be God’s first commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me.” If you want to understand the Bible, if you want to know why God kept sending prophets over and over to tell the people to worship only Him, and if you want to know where Jesus came from, then just look at the story of Adam and Eve. Jesus was in eternity with God long before the Universe was created. When Adam and Eve exposed our world to sin, God had His plan sitting right next to Him. Jesus would come and die on the cross, not unlike the sacrifice of animals for their skins to cover Adam and Eve. The result is that we have been reconciled to God and forgiven for our sinfulness.  The fall of humanity and its consequences, as well as the redemption and reconciliation of all things, lie at the heart of the Gospel’s message (Colossians 1:20; Romans 8:21). Because of humanity’s disobedience toward God, death and suffering entered the world. But it is through this same suffering, death, and Resurrection of Christ that we can gain salvation. We do not need to worry about being condemned to live forever in a fallen world. The curse that accompanied sin in Genesis 3 will be reversed and removed, as death, sorrow, crying, and pain will no longer exist (Revelation 21:4; Revelation 22:3). We will eat from the Tree of Life!

Contemplations

• Stories like Adam and Eve are always difficult to understand. We are programmed by our world to always look for proof. What would you conclude from the story of the “fall?”
  • Ideas to Explore: Salvation by faith, not works, requires us to accept God’s Word at its metaphoric values. All of Scripture, therefore, is useful for teaching.
• There is an amazing amount of consistency in Scripture. What goes through your mind when you find it?
  • Ideas to Explore: It increases your faith. It makes you want to read and learn more about God’s Word. It makes you feel blessed to be a child of God.
• How does the metaphor of the two trees help you understand the Scriptures?
  • Ideas to Explore: Easy to relate to the story. Can be explained to others much easier. Children can learn about God much more easily.
• Would you consider Christ’s crucifixion on a wooden cross (a tree) a metaphor for the Tree of Life?
  • Ideas to Explore: It is Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection that reinstate our access to eternal life.
• What thoughts do you have about the fact that eternity existed before our world and will exist afterward? Eternity is forever!
  • Ideas to Explore: As humans, we typically cannot understand things like omnipresence and eternity. Does this force us to focus on faith? Isn’t that what saves?

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  NIV New International Version Translations

Personal values are things that we believe in. They are a composite of our experiences, learnings, and decisions and can be positive, constructive, and even healthy, or they can be harmful, destructive, and unhealthy. Values define who we are and influence the direction of how we make choices in life. The strength of our values can give us energy that will define our future. However, values are not like our physical characteristics but can be learned, changed, and even controlled. There are five probable sources for a person’s values.

1. Family and upbringing: Values often start developing in childhood and are heavily influenced by the values of a person’s family and cultural background.
2. Education and environment: The values a person learns through their education and social environment, including peers and community, also play a significant role.
3. Personal experiences: Life experiences such as successes, failures, and even hardships help to shape and refine a person’s values.
4. Religion and spirituality: Religious and spiritual beliefs play a significant role.
5. Media and social culture: The values and messages conveyed through our highly connected media and social culture also influence a person’s values.

There is one fundamental assumption that should be taken before we continue. That assumption is that you seek eternal life. Jesus’ resurrection proves we were not made for this world! Your values must include this fundamental belief, that there is life after death. Without such a belief, there is no purpose and direction to life. With this assumption, the pursuit of values should mirror the values of Jesus Christ as He is the way to eternal life. Jesus had many strong values but there were a few main themes.

• Love: Jesus Christ taught that love is the most important commandment, and that love should be the guiding principle in how we interact with others.
• Compassion: Jesus Christ showed compassion towards all people, but especially those who were marginalized or oppressed, and He taught that we should do the same.
• Forgiveness: Jesus Christ taught that we should forgive others, even when they have wronged us, and that forgiveness is essential for healing, reconciliation, and peace.
• Humility: Jesus Christ lived a life of humility, and He taught that we should put the needs of others before our own and serve others with a selfless attitude.
• Integrity: Jesus Christ lived a life of integrity and honesty, and he taught us that we should be truthful and transparent in our dealings with others.
• Generosity: Jesus Christ taught that we should be generous with our time, talents, testimony, and treasure. He specifically focused on those needing the most, widows and orphans.
• Justice: Jesus Christ spoke out against injustice and oppression, and he taught that we should work to promote justice and equality for all people. He also held people accountable for their choices. Jesus never gave a special class of people special privileges or exceptions.

Why is any of this important today?

(John 14:6)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

Becoming more like Jesus, and sharing His values is no easy task. We live in a world that hates Him and will hate you if your values are like Jesus’. This fact forces you to make a critical decision about how you live and how you behave. As a follower of Jesus, you do not have the option of choosing values that help you “fit in,” but deny God’s values. Today, however, to be accepted by the world, your choices and your values require alignment with “Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)” goals. You need to pick which world you want to align to. What exactly does that mean? It means that you need to be willing to explore the source of your value system, compare it to the “Gold Standard,” Jesus’s values, and then be willing to change your mind. You must bury the “bias,” search for the Truth, maybe even change the channel, and then be willing to admit when you are wrong and change.

(Proverbs 4:23) – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

This proverb tells you that you will need a strong sense of personal ethics and morality.  This includes principles such as honesty, integrity, respect for others, and a commitment to fairness and justice. You will need to support people who embody those same positive values and behaviors. The people who lead our nation serve as powerful examples to others. This is how good values are spread throughout a nation. Unfortunately, picking the wrong people is how bad values are also spread. The ability to reflect on one’s own beliefs and values can help you identify what is truly important and align your actions with those of Jesus Himself.

(Colossians 3:23-24) – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

In a democracy, political differences are inevitable, but when political divisions become increasingly polarized, it leads to a deepening of social and cultural divides. As you work hard for God, your choices and values are going to affect others. Ultimately, good, and positive personal values, including your own beliefs and experiences, can be a positive influence on others. Also, expect to make a few enemies along your journey. Don’t make God one of them!

(James 1:22) – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

When there are stark disparities in wealth and opportunity, there is resentment and mistrust between different groups within a society. We must rely on God’s word for guidance, trust God, put our faith into action, and prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness. By following these principles, we can maintain strong values and live a life that not only honors God but is a positive influence on those around us. Ultimately, God calls us to “follow His Word with our actions.”

(Philippians 4:8) – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Personal growth and self-improvement include a commitment to ongoing learning, personal development, and self-reflection, as well as a willingness to take responsibility for one’s own life and choices. This also involves a desire to make a positive impact on the world and to help others, whether through volunteering, philanthropy, or other forms of service. The way information is disseminated in our world today can contribute to division if it is biased, unreliable, or sensationalized. This leads to different groups holding vastly different views and beliefs. Our role is to continually evaluate our beliefs and what we hear from the world against God’s Word and Truth. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). It is the only way to change a misdirected value to one aligned with Jesus.

Differences in cultural and social identities, including race, religion, and gender. These lead to divisions and tension if not managed appropriately. However, your role is not to sanitize the Gospel’s message of salvation. Nowhere in Scripture does it command Christians to accept the world. Our command is to stand in contrast to the world. It is important to note that all these factors do not act in isolation but are interconnected. The path to reducing division and promoting unity requires finding ways to bridge differences and foster common ground, while also acknowledging and respecting the diversity that exists within a society. However, common ground is not the acceptance of sinful values. We are called to forgiveness, and, in return, God calls humanity to repentance, not common ground.

(Matthew 6:33) – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

We are called to guard our hearts, think about what is good and pure, work diligently for God, rely on His word for guidance, trust in God, put our faith into action, and prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness. There is no other option for a follower of Jesus other than to choose Him as the “Correct Path.” By following these principles, we maintain strong values and live a life that honors God.

Contemplations

• Does ESG develop a culture of victimhood where people and society excuse bad behavior?
  • Ideas to Explore: No bail policies, failure to prosecute crime, reparations.
• Is society developing a class of people that believe they have a right to crime?
  • Ideas to Explore: Repeat offenders not receiving rehabilitation. Condoning or even promoting drug use.
• Is part of repentance and restitution, changed behavior?
  • Ideas to Explore: Repentance is meant to change but to whose values?
• If emotions, values, and beliefs are critical to life, how do change those that are contrary to God’s Truth?
  • Ideas to Explore: Values are the basis of many of our biases, prejudices, attitudes towards things, including ourselves, and the judgments and decisions we make. Knowing God’s Truth is critical to developing good values.

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  NIV New International Version Translations

There is an amazing bit of trickery going on in our world, right before your eyes. Most people never see it happening. Yet, they wonder why there is such confusion between generations. Let me show you a bit of Satan’s magic and how it works!

What is a sin? If you were part of the “greatest generation,” one of those who defended our freedom, your dictionary would have read:

1. an offense against the religious or moral law.
2. an action that is or is felt to be highly reprehensible such as a transgression of the law of God.

This definition comes from the American College Dictionary, Harper & Brothers Publishers, text edition, published in 1948. This is the dictionary that would have been used by those returning from their service to our country after World War II. It was direct, first establishing that sin occurs when one departs from a law that has been established by either a religion or a moral norm. The second meaning, often used in dictionaries ties the meaning directly to God’s Law, God’s moral code as the established standard. Most people would not dispute the meaning of sin defined this way.

Now let’s fast forward to a time like now when artificial intelligence can sample human opinion across the world in seconds. Here is what a young student might learn from ChatGPT today:

“The concept of sin is often associated with religion, and the definition of sin can vary depending on religious beliefs and traditions. In many religions, the definition of sin is typically determined by sacred texts or teachings, as well as the interpretation of those texts by religious leaders, scholars, and communities.”

Right out of the gate, sin has been downgraded to just a concept. Sin has no specific meaning or no specific repercussions because people define sin based on their “interpretation” of either sacred text or teachings by virtually anyone who might claim proficiency in such knowledge. Don’t underestimate the sleight of hand here. Suddenly, sin is redefined, not as a transgression against God or even God’s Laws, but merely the opinion of anyone claiming to be an expert. Examples might include the many honor killings of children by their fathers for dishonoring their families we see around the world. There have even been such killings in our country. These interpretations override both God’s Laws and most civil laws. It shows the power of culture and tradition on the interpretation of words like “honor.”

Subtle shifts in the use of language often reflect broader changes in societal attitudes and values, which will impact intergenerational communication and their understanding of sin. When we changed the name of a baby in the womb to a fetus, it became easier to accept abortion as a form of personal rights and birth control. You weren’t killing a baby, just a fetus.

 So then, what exactly is a sin? There was no sin in the beginning, at the point of the creation of our world. Adam and Eve, representing humanity, fell victim to Satan’s carefully crafted appeal to go against God. Because of humanity’s free will, sin came forth. Satan said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’? Surely you will not die.” (Genesis 3:1-5) Satan merely took an explicit command from God and confused its definition with the insertion of doubt. God’s Will was to be the form of obedience and not following God’s Will became a sin! Sin is, first and foremost, against God and against what He has disclosed of Himself through His Word. And that definition of sin prevails in one fashion or another across the entire scope of Scripture. Our responsibility is to learn God’s Truth. This includes God’s definitions of sinful behavior. God is the only one that can ever define a sin.

When society, with its teachings, religious leaders, educators, and numerous communities gets through with interpreting God’s Word, anything can and will go wrong. When sin becomes nothing more than an inconvenient truth, God’s Truth is replaced with Satan’s lies (Romans 1:21-32). Sin becomes not only acceptable but a lifestyle. Sin can even become a religion and a moral code. BUT YOU CANNOT LEAVE THE REAL GOD OUT OF ANY DEFINITION OF SIN! This brings us then to another “real truth,” humanity needs help badly. Humanity loves to hate, loves to lie, loves to steal, filled with lust, and the list is enough to fill Hollywood’s movie libraries.

(John 3:16-18)¹NIV New International Version – ”For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

What then are we asked to do?

1. Accept God’s Word (the Bible) as real.
2. Not to make our goal to pick apart God’s Word, looking for the “loopholes.” You will not succeed.
3. Do pray for help to understand God’s Word and accept it! Then pray for help to follow it!
4. Know that you have help to accomplish this.

Through the Holy Spirit, you can grow close to your one true Savior, Jesus. He is the reason why God doesn’t give up on this world of ours. Jesus brought us into reconciliation with His Father, God! Sin is portrayed in Genesis 3 more as humanity’s rebellion. It was not that eating the apple is intrinsically sinful. Sin is doubting God’s Word, mocking God, and criticizing God. The English language is constantly evolving and changing, with new words being added and existing words being used in different ways. The English language even has a long history of borrowing words from other languages, and this trend continues today. Technology and social media are also major factors in influencing how we understand each other. While the English language is a living and constantly evolving system, God’s Word is not! What humanity has always needed is a stable and just standard written by the author of the Universe! That is why we use God’s Word as a marker,  a beacon in our world, to find that narrow and small door into eternity. There are over 650 sins listed in God’s Word. History tells us that humans will never be perfect. Good news, however. We don’t have to strive for perfection, just strive for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ!

Contemplations

• Where are your doubts and where is your confusion?
  • Ideas to Explore: Are you confused by the softening of religious denominations toward sin? Do you think that God will look past sinful behavior? What does repentance mean to you?
• What do you think society’s worst sin is?
  • Ideas to Explore: Our attack on our children through pornography, drugs, trafficking, abortion? Our leadership’s pursuit of self-worth? The lack of integrity of our governing bodies? Please add a few of your own favorites to the list.
• Where do you see our nation redefining sin into something no longer sinful?
  • Ideas to Explore: Woke culture, Gender confusion, exposure of sinful behavior to children, national debt, telling the truth, our right to religious freedom?
• What do you personally do when you see sin prevailing in society?
  • Ideas to Explore: Ignore it? Avoid it? Call it out? Try to stop it. What do you think God does when He sees it?
• Do you believe that God punishes sin?
  • Ideas to Explore: Find anywhere in the Bible an example of where God rewarded sinful behavior.
• Why do you think people act as if they will get away with sin?
  • Ideas to Explore: They don’t believe in God. They have defined sinful behavior as righteous and not sinful. Ignorance.

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  NIV New International Version

Whether we like it or not, the world today has triggered the natural and instinctive reaction of fear in many people. The “fight or flight” response is very real and triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol in our bodies. It seems like we have been given only two hard choices.

We are witnessing multiple mass migrations around the world. People risk their lives because there are wars and open borders. Leaders in rogue countries are risking everything to conquer neighbors. In our own nation, families are uprooting themselves, escaping liberal cities and states in the hope of regaining some resemblance of safety and control over their lives and the lives of their children. People have the “flight” response down pat. The question, however, is whether people should think about standing their ground and fighting!  If there is any advice to be had that is worth its salt, it is safe to assume that we should begin any search for answers with the author and creator of our bodies and souls, God Himself. Can God help us with understanding when it is time to stop running away and stand and fight for our rights and freedoms?

“Anxiety is the natural result when our hopes are centered in anything short of God and His will for us.” ~ Billy Graham

Anxiety only distracts us from our relationship with God and His Truth.  “At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children’” (Matthew 11:25). At its worst, anxiety can be a crippling disease, taking over our minds and moving our thoughts to fear of the darkness of the world around us. To see God in our world and understand His Truth is essential to reducing anxiety and controlling fear.

(Ephesians 6:13)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

Fear, the desire to run away, often takes seed in the depths of ignorance. Simply, we stay and fight when we believe we can win, and we run when we believe it is a lost cause. Our threats in life breakdown as follows:

• There is Physical danger: Physical harm or injury can include threats from other people, dangerous animals, governments, countries, or natural disasters.
• There is Emotional stress or Trauma: You might find yourself in sudden shock, the result of past traumatic experiences, such as physical or emotional abuse, that create a sense of danger and vulnerability.
• Social anxiety can cause fear: Social situations and interactions, such as public speaking or meeting new people, due to the fear of rejection, judgment, or embarrassment.
• Phobias: An irrational fear of a specific object or situation, such as heights, spiders, or enclosed spaces.
• Loss of control can trigger fear: A sense of losing control, such as being in an unpredictable or chaotic environment not of your own making.
• Most recently, uncertainty: A sense of the unknown, such as fear of the future.
• Finally, there is the Perceived threat: Even when there is no actual danger, the perception of a threat can trigger “fight or flight” responses in people.

The element most critical in any of the above types of fear is whether you are prepared to make good decisions or to be discerning when facing your fears. God’s Word suggests wearing “His full armor.” Armor protects and intimidates your enemies. Did you notice that the verses include the use of “the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). Therefore, we are guided with this advice: prepare, prepare, prepare. It is also called KNOWLEDGE. For if you have both faith and knowledge, who dares challenge you?

Next, let’s take the gorilla in the room. We are called first to fear God! Why? God is eternal, all-powerful, and all-knowledgeable. Since eternity is FOREVER, it is no joking matter as to which side of God you should be striving for. You remember, don’t you, the part about separating the SHEEP from the GOATS (Matthew 25:31-46)? It seems that God is telling us to always run toward Him and fight back when obstacles are present. A good beginning is to believe that God exists and to align your purpose in life to seek His Truth. Some call that reverence. When we have the proper balance between self-interests and His interests, it causes us to want to serve Him. (Psalm 89:7; Hebrews 12:28-29)

• We should fear acting against God’s will.
• We should fear dishonoring God with our actions.
• We should fear misrepresenting God or His Word to the world.

There is a natural humility that emanates from faith in God. It stirs a hatred for sin and takes seriously the impact that sin has on our world. (Romans 7:13) When our attention is on God and He is in our hearts, we then can love Him with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength, and keep His commandments. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Matthew 22:36-38) It is also easier to love others too. Such knowledge and strength let us stand before difficult situations and difficult people because God doesn’t want us to be afraid. It’s Time to Stop Running! We need to be people who will no longer run away because God doesn’t want us to be afraid. He wants us to be bold, and courageous, and to know that we can handle anything that comes our way!

(1 John 4:4) – “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

No, we cannot fix everything that is wrong in the world. Thank goodness God is not asking us to do that. He is, however, asking us to be responsible. Learn His Truth and stand firm against the world’s corruption of His Truth. How you act influences others and who you support impacts the world around you.

(Proverbs 3:27) – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”

When we see injustice that we can personally do something about, God obligates us to step in and help where we can. Need a good Biblical example? The parable of the Good Samaritan is a great place to start. The hero of the story didn’t help by trying to change the Roman justice system or campaign for societal change. He just stepped in and did what others wouldn’t do (Luke 10:25-37).

The Book of Jonah gives us a wonderful example of the futility of running away from God. Jonah did not want to take on God’s challenge of a prophet and go tell the people of Nineveh (Jonah 1:1-2) of their sins and wickedness. They needed to repent. Jonah went the other way. God reeled Jonah back on track and helped him with his task. For issues of faith and defense of God’s Truth, the fight or flight response should not start with fighting or fleeing. There is in the beginning of any threat, an opportunity to understand the magnitude of the predicament. We need to know how to fight or when to flee and where to go.

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-9) – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 

a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.”

Time must be spent understanding and considering options. Whether you run or stay is not as important as the fact that it was a product of deliberate thinking about God’s Truth. God does hold us accountable for our choices!

(Proverbs 31:8-9) – “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Finding your source of strength lies in your understanding of God’s Will for your life. Remember Billy Graham’s words in 1965. He had no idea of his role in this world when he stepped forward to challenge people around him to know and trust God. His trust in God made all the difference!

(Philippians 4:8-9) – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

The purpose, of course, is to stop future injustices against those around us and do our part by defending our friends, families, country, and humanity itself. If we are silent or always run in the other direction, there is little hope for the future. Through our actions, we can feel better about understanding God’s Truth and our role in His Kingdom. This makes us better people, capable of contributing to the overall well-being of the world around us. Yes, evil will still exist. The lust for power will still reside in the hearts of evil people. But the difference is that your hope will rest on the gift of Grace from our Creator and the sacrifice that His Son has made for each of us. And to that, we say each day, Halleluiah!

Contemplations

• What do you do to seek the will of God?
  • Ideas to Explore: Do you spend time thinking about what God wants for you? Is your life all uphill or does the road you follow take you closer to God and His peace? Do you really, really believe there is an eternal God? 
• Where do you go and what do you do to align your own will to God’s Truth?
  • Ideas to Explore: Is your opinion different than God’s? Where do you differ? Have you spent time to understand both yourself and your God? Does your will hurt or help the world around you?
• Are you are fighter?
  • Ideas to Explore: Do injustices make you work harder to see them overcome? Are you silent, a person that likes the shadows so no one even knows what your opinions are? Can you make a list of what you have done in your life to change the world for the better?
• Are you very good at finding safe places to hide?
  • Ideas to Explore: Hiding is sometimes the prudent thing to do. Do you find places that build your faith and strengthen your spirit to hide in?
• What should the world write on your tombstone?
  • Ideas to Explore: Really, what message would you leave for the generations to come about you?

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  NIV New International Version Translations

Before we begin, let’s first agree on what values are about. Personal values are moral principles that define the very essence of who we are and how we act. They are a person’s standards of behavior; one’s judgment of what is important in life. Our values establish our importance to society, our worth in this world, and our usefulness to those things not of this world. At the most basic levels, we are told to categorize people by recognizing their value as human beings who are made in the image of God.

(Genesis 1:26-27) – “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created mankind in his own image,”

Because we are all made in God’s image, we have the capacity to reason, feel emotions, and make decisions that can impact the world around us. Values are those things that we will not compromise, will not debate, and direct our behavior. Values motivate us to do things, both great and small, good, and bad. For us to honor our God, values are necessary to become disciples of Christ. Values, however, are not necessarily permanent. Any repentant heart knows very well that forgiveness often takes a difficult decision and a change in values. “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.¹from Robert Frost’s Poem, “The Road Not Taken” God, however, is accountable to no one. There is no higher principle to which God must conform. He himself is the “absolute of truth, beauty, goodness, love, and justice.” His perfect character is the essence of what the Bible calls “righteousness.” In a universe without God, what we call “good” would have no meaning and values would serve no purpose. This is important to understand. We do not belong here on earth; our citizenship is in heaven. Our time here is merely preparing us for what is yet to come.

(Romans 8:18) – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Habakkuk was a prophet in the Old Testament. He struggled, as we all do, with the goodness of God. His problem, wicked people often prosper. Habakkuk, the author of the shortest book in the Old Testament, was wise enough to know that when you have a question or a problem with God, the best thing to do is take to God directly. So, he cried out, “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” (Habakkuk 1:13). Habakkuk’s complaint to God questioned why God was allowing the people of Judah to continue in their wickedness and injustice. When God answered that He was preparing the Babylonians as his weapon of judgment on Judah’s unrighteousness (Habakkuk 1:5-6), Habakkuk became even more indignant. Habakkuk argued that the Babylonians were even more wicked than the people of Judah; how could God use such a people to judge His own people? God’s response overcame the prophet’s objections. Habakkuk was confused by an apparent incompatibility between God’s character and God’s actions. God’s character and values are always perfect.

Our world will tell you that human values are formed through a complex interplay of various factors, including cultural, social, psychological, and environmental influences. This world defines human values as the beliefs and principles that guide our behavior, decisions, and interactions with others all within the experiences gained in our world. The error being made is that the perspective of experiences and interactions is limited to this world. Some values may even be more universal, such as the value of honesty or respect, others are more contextual and may vary across different societies and cultures. Our world will use this loose definition of morality as a crutch. Social Justice is one example.

God’s moral structures and values are built into the created order. The Bible affirms that even those who have not been exposed to God’s law have a conscience – a moral law – within them (Romans 2:14-16). God is not only revealed in nature but also in the human heart. There is a surprisingly uniform moral absolute in most cultures because God has placed His natural law, His moral law in our hearts. We simply cannot deny it. To attempt to remove God from any discussion on the source of values just doesn’t make sense. Personal experiences, both positive and negative, can shape a person’s values and beliefs. Even education and media exposure will reinforce values and beliefs. But removing God does nothing positive for the values (or lack of values) we see in society today.

(Psalm 15) – “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.”

King David sums it up for us! It is the person who is in God’s presence, living a blameless life, speaking the truth. Leaders with Godly values shape their decisions around God’s principles. Look at the Bible from beginning to end, 6,000 years of authorship. You find a foundation of moral concepts such as goodness, love, and justice. God’s moral values are built into our created order. Even our sense of good and evil exist because God created the categories. You might know them as the “Perfect 10.” God’s list cannot be altered or replaced by humanity. Only God decides what is right and wrong and only God decides what is of value to His Kingdom!

(Galatians 6:7-8) – “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

Values are important in life because they form the foundation of our behavior, personality, attitude, thoughts, and decision-making. Values give our life a purpose which is to guide our actions, so they are in alignment with our beliefs. Values help us discover passions and purpose. What’s important to you? It’s a simple question, but one with profound consequences for how you live your life. It’s a question that gets to the heart of your values and guides your decisions. God would like to be number one on your list of values! He will help with those many choices along the way.

Contemplations

• Where do you see society redefining its values?
  • Ideas to Explore: Education, Government, our nation’s justice system, business ethics, and the rapid increase in drug consumption and crime.
• Are you someone who largely lives out their values, or if you are instead someone who does one thing and believes in another thing?
  • Ideas to Explore: Values can change as a person matures. Children’s values are different from someone who is approaching retirement. Have your values kept up with you?
• If you act differently than you believe you should, why is that so? What is stopping you from acting the way you want to act?
  • Ideas to Explore: Peer pressure, jobs, and even family pressure can force people to behave differently than they want to behave. Where is the source of your values coming from? God? People? Media? Church?
• Do you live a “values-driven life?” Does living by your values increase your sense of satisfaction with yourself and your life? Do you know your values?
  • Ideas to Explore: Will your values achieve your worldly and eternal goals? Are they aligned with our Creator who created you?

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  from Robert Frost’s Poem, “The Road Not Taken”