The ‘relativism’ bug seems to have invaded and affected every segment of our society. The primary problem with this approach is that there is no standard, no set of principles to guide. ‘It depends’ is the mantra and justification. However, as a Christian – you do have standards and principles. The Church stands on the Principles and Standards of our God… or we fall.
You can’t accept a relativism approach to life and its issues when it comes to the Lord’s principles and standards – principles and standards are not a smorgasbord of options. If you are a Christian, they are givens. Remember what the word says?
“All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness ; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, AMP)
Instruction, conviction, correction, restoration, training – purpose: personal integrity, moral courage, complete, proficient, outfitted and equipped. That’s the purpose of the Word and why it is so important. It also underlines why it is ALL of the Word and not just the verses that we want to be evident in our lives. It also warns us:
“I testify and warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book [its predictions, consolations, and admonitions]: if anyone adds [anything] to them, God will add to him the plagues (afflictions, calamities) which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from or distorts the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away [from that one] his share from the tree of life and from the holy city (new Jerusalem), which are written in this book” (Revelations 22: 18-19)
If nothing else, these two scriptures should put an end to this question of the validity of the Word and its importance. It should also divest relativism of any importance and truth.
And Yes – you can grow in understanding about scripture and the principles and standards it imparts. This may mean a refining of your understanding.You don’t ‘modernize’, update, sweep under the carpet that which identifies and defines Christianity – you proudly proclaim this. No, not arrogantly… remembering to speak truth in love, demonstrate faith by works.
Our personal stand is crucial and it does demonstrate who we are and what we believe. We are IN our world even if we aren’t apart of it. (John 17:14, 15:19) Our world is our responsibility – not to hide from. Simply, we are in a war, a battle and without a known foundation then we flounder. Remember who the enemy is:
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”
(2 Corinthians 10:4-6, NKJV)
WE are the conquerors and standing on the principles and standards of our Lord will be indispensable. If we doubt who we are and the nature of our enemy, we will hesitate and if it is a crucial time – this could be devastating. Standing is an act of faith.
