Are you Chicken? (2 of 4)
“The times are changing. We must adapt because cultural influence is inescapable.” This is a slogan that reflects the reality of how society today has dangerously evolved into one that is increasingly liberal. Along with this, the Postmodern view is fast gaining popularity and acceptability. Beware.
As society progresses, its moral standards evolve and change. This is evident in today’s pop cultural trend that gravitates towards glorifying deviant behavior, especially those formerly considered as taboo. It’s alarming to notice that that instead of being shunned away from, society has taken a tolerant stance. Why? Because it’s “appealing”. Because it’s “cool”. Because everybody else is into it. Because it’s inescapable. But really, is it? If we have the choice to conform to trends, then doesn’t that also mean that we have the choice to take a stand?
Seeing that we are all in pursuit of self-worth in this world, it isn’t surprising that anyone is most likely to fall for just about anything and do just about anything to be “somebody”– be it physical appearance, achievements, approval, or affluence. Here’s a word of caution though: None of these criteria are stable.
If we conform according to what society dictates (considering that it has perpetually shifting values), then that also mean that our criteria for self-worth will always change. If you can’t stand for something certain, then you will fall for anything. It begs the question: If society has perpetually shifting moral standards, then by what standard should we live by?
On the flip side, there exist postmodernists who insist that everything is relative – that there is no such thing as absolute truth and no clear distinction between right and wrong. They are sceptical of anything that asserts itself to be true. Most often, they live according to a personal belief system that complements their personal lifestyle – one that is often self-centered and exclusive. Interestingly, despite these qualities mentioned, they still have a concept of what is ideally just and unjust.
C.S. Lewis, a former atheist and a brilliant Christian author, wrote this many years after his conversion: “How I had I got this idea of just and unjust?… A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.”
Thus, an absolute standard must exist, a truth that is undeniably compelling. Jesus is that embodiment of absolute truth. Over 2000 years ago, in fulfilment of hundreds of Old Testament prophesies, God came to the earth – fully-human and fully-divine – and sacrificed Himself on a cross all out of pure love for ALL of us. But it doesn’t stop there: He overcame death and he offers us Life today. All He asks is that first step to believe in Him as the Way (Via), the (Veritas) Truth, and (Vita) the Life. God desires to have an intimate and personal relationship with us. But it has to begin with a personal decision, a choice to accept this free gift.
Persecution is certain and will continue to persist for those of us who are willing to stand up as Christians. We may be scorned, mocked, and labelled as “ignorant conservatives”, “aliens”, “freaks” or “self-righteous saints”, but so what? Didn’t Jesus face the same (in fact worse) persecution during his time? That didn’t stop Him from proclaiming the truth. Besides, we are already assured of NEVER being forsaken in this life and the next in eternity.
While we are here on earth, we are transient beings whose purpose is to be a light and salt to the world and to boldly proclaim this truth. This is why we shouldn’t lose focus and be swayed by enticing philosophical ideas and material, worldly pursuits that only leave us empty in the end. After all, if you want to end up in hell, then continue. Continue to deny the truth until it’s too late. There may be many voices in this world but never deny the Voice of Truth. So, to those of you who claim to be Christian, here’s a challenge: Are you chicken?
Man is insatiable and sinful by nature. That is why God is the standard. What to be truly satisfied? Then come to the well that never runs dry.
