Teaching the Right Thing

"And they built the high places of Baal which are in the valley of the Sons of Hinnon to cause their sons and daughters to pass through the fire to Molech, which I did not command them, nor did it come into my mind that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin " Jeremiah 32:35

Some of the things that go on in our society are beyond belief. We have fallen so far below our religious heritage, that I imagine even heaven weeps. To slaughter innocent children for money, power or convenience is something that omniscience could never entertain as even a remote possibility. But in America, we not only slaughter innocent children; we make laws to protect our right to do it.

We worship three gods in the west: Education, Status and Money. Church going people, who will otherwise live exemplary lives, are following the world worshiping and sacrificing to these gods. Our children are growing more and more confused as they are sacrificed at the throne of these pretenders.

Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understands and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord Jeremiah 9: 23-24. No matter how far we advance educationally, financially or positionally, if we leave God out we have no cause to glory. We should use our resources to promote God’s righteousness in the earth, not look down on those less fortunate.

God is the wealthiest being in the universe. Yet He is the ultimate example of perfect humility and generosity. He uses pure gold to pave the streets of heaven. He wants to make sure that when we get there, we will never desire to be anywhere else

God is the smartest Person in the universe. He has never called anyone for consultation. When He built the universe, His Word was the architect and builder. When the devil thought he had us doomed to the hell fire, God made a way out for us.

God is the most powerful and influential ruler of all times. The throne of man never threatens him. He knows that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.

Man seeks status apart from God, and the result is chaos. When man receives power without God, society eventually decays. If we seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness, He will add knowledge and riches far beyond all we can hope for.

What are the results of a society that markets status and riches apart from God? Just take a look around you. Young men living in housing projects drop out of school to push drugs and live like gangsters. High schools kids walk around with thick gold chains and $500 dollar outfits. They think that sex and drugs are a normal part of growing up. They learn to worship the gods of the west early, and sometimes they never get free.

I remember a story about a respected man in an evangelical church. He lived a life of integrity and honor. He was known to uphold biblical truths in his life. In keeping with his reputation for excellence in everything he did, he urged his children to excel in fields where they would likewise be known and respected in the community. He took every opportunity to equip and prepare them to be leaders of their professions.

They did indeed become the leaders he primed them to be. But he wept near the end of his life as he watched them, all smart, wealthy and influential professionals, walk away from God. They spent their careers serving themselves

We will become like the gods we worship. Let us take time to make the God of heaven our choice, and seek to become more like Him in the coming year.