I don’t think anyone would argue that America is becoming a more secular nation. Founding principles of faith and morality have slipped away. We have become more focused on the individual and individual rights rather than our place as a servants of Jesus Christ. One writer observes that many who practice immorality still stand behind the Bible and claim to honor and obey Jesus. While their practices seem to ignore clear Bible teachings, they use other Bible teachings to support their immoral positions.
One blogger, Collin Hanson, believes we have lost sight of the spiritual need for self-denial. In it’s place we seek self-fulfillment. I think Hanson has a point. Although his article is focused on homosexuality, the ideas and concepts are pertinent for our lives generally. Why do people have sex outside of marriage? Why do people persist in adultery? Why do people practice an LGBT lifestyle? Why do people sleep in on the Lord’s day instead of worshiping?
The answer is clear: Our perceived needs are more important than obedience to our Lord and Master.
Jesus said,
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39)
And again,
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” (Matthew 16:24-27)
Then there is the grand verse of Matthew 6:33:
“Seek first the kingdom of heaven and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
It should be clear that the Christian subjugates his own will to that of Jesus. He is first and foremost and we serve him. Happiness here is but fleeting. But beyond this life there is joy beyond compare. Let us focus upon Jesus and his will. Our lives will be better and the life to come unbelievable!
