Today’s society is obsessed with stories or narratives that provides direction for most people. These narratives are hyped incidents or myth or imaginary stories. Instead of God and His Word, these narratives determine values and actions of people. Hence, people do not want to call sin as sin. Instead like to give a label that is not strong condemnation but a gentle pat on the back. In the business world, if a person is not honest, he is termed as ‘ethically challenged.’ Prophet Isaiah said: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20)
1) Reject learning: People do not listen or learn. Hence, they lack discernment to know what is good or evil. Disciples must learn from the Lord, who is meek and lowly in heart to find rest for their souls. (Matthew 11:29)
2) Context trapped: There are many who consider morals depend on context, termed as Situational ethics. For them there is no absolute morals, as they do not believe in Sovereign Holy God. God’s righteousness is eternal, applicable to all context, culture, always. A disciple must be guided by Unchanging God and not by changing situations.
3) Arrogance: Those who call good as evil or vice versa arrogate themselves to be judges. People who do not understand that humans are sinners, vulnerable and need help from God, arrogate to be judges.
4) Denial: There are others who have a philosophical idea (dualism) that there no good or evil, all are one and that is good. They deny sin or unrighteousness, or evil exist and believe all that exists is good.
The result is Trust deficit and Truth deficit in society. Neighbours, friends, relatives, colleagues, businesspeople, insurance guys, medical professionals, politicians…none could be trusted. Living in this kind of situation, society disciples are called to be Truthful witness, people of integrity, holy and demonstrate righteousness.
Do I know what is holiness and righteousness?