A Mixed Up Society
Society is a mess. Perhaps, we can describe our society as living in chaos. It is scary when we contemplate the society in which we live.
Civil government is ordained of God to which all men are subject in order that good and safety may prevail and evil may be controlled (Romans 13:1-3). As such civil government is for our good—for all citizens. This creates a societal setting in which peace and security can be practiced and enjoyed (Romans 13:4-7).
During the time of the Judges, society in Israel is described by the words, “but every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25). That was the society in Israel. It was pure chaos. It is not what we want to happen, nor how we want to live, yet it seems to be happening to America as well as throughout the world.
Some Moral Inconsistencies and Consequences. If we look at our government and our society we find ourselves subject to many moral inconsistencies. Consider: Why do we pass laws to protect a shed feather from a bald eagle, yet declare open season on unborn babies? Why has our judicial system forbidden any display observing the birth or death of Jesus on government property, while our tax money is spent to subsidize vulgar, blasphemous, and sacrilegious art such as a floating crucifix in a bottle of urine? Why do certain media and political watchdogs quickly scream censorship in defending pornography but are silent concerning the censorship of the most important book in the world—the Bible?
Morality prevails when we recognize the standard of moral authority. We must return to the necessary concepts of “ought” and “ought not.” If we lose these concepts, then the consequences are tremendous. If an act is morally and ethically wrong (that is, it ought not be committed), then it is because there is a reason it should not be committed. Without punishment for breaking the law, a law has no validity. Likewise, moral concepts lack power without consequences. God told Israel, “I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God. . . . And a curse, if you will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 11:26-28).
The consequences of violating God’s moral principles are abundant. Drunkenness often destroys personal health, families, and causes accidents. Sexual promiscuity has various consequences, such as STD’s, broken homes, unwanted pregnancies, and neglected family responsibilities. Rioters who destroy businesses, homes, and parts of our cities often suffer no consequences, because they are not arrested. However, the business owners, home owners, cities and their administrations suffer many consequences. Shooting policemen when they attempt to enforce the law destroys lives, homes, dreams, careers, etc. In any profession there are those who are good and who are bad. Morally and ethically, there are good and bad politicians, teachers, preachers, policemen, husbands, wives, and business owners.
Some Causes of Moral Inconsistencies. There are several causes to the breakdown of morality in society. At the very core of immorality is unbelief in God and the belief that man is wise enough to direct his steps (cf. Jeremiah 10:23). When we deny God and our accountability to Him, we admit the consequences of immorality are not important. Modern philosophy, driven by a rejection of God, only has the gratification of self as the standard to guide man. Society suffers and nations suffer to say nothing of the impact on individuals and the family.
Man, in general, has long forgotten the eternal consequences of his immorality. Too many live in a temporal world where their desires, ambition, and personal satisfaction take precedence. A coming judgment by God is seemingly forgotten. Paul tried to impress upon Felix “the judgment to come” (Acts 24:25). The judgment will be by God who possesses both goodness and severity (Romans 11:22). There is no escape.