The Power of Personal Perception and Perspective |
It goes without saying that we are all victims of our own innate propensity for bias. However, bias is not innately wrong. My bias might actually be correct or the true way of understanding reality. It also goes without saying that ideas have consequences. Sometimes the consequences of ideas result in a form of conquest. As Rod Serling reminds us, “The tools of conquest do not necessarily come with bombs and explosions and fallout. There are weapons that are simply thoughts, attitudes, prejudices... to be found only in the minds of men.”
America in general and the church of Jesus Christ specifically has experienced a seismic shift that has exposed significant inconsistencies in how the church is to be the salt and light, the pillar of truth, in a world gone mad. Friedrich Nietzsche reminds us; “When the world discovers that God is dead there will be universal madness.” Well, Nietzsche is dead, Jesus is alive, and He is coming soon. However, it does appear that our culture has gone mad. And so, until that great day of a new earth where righteousness dwells, we are to live out our days upon this earth with wisdom and prudence mixed with righteous shrewdness.
Where do we find such a combination of information and insight for intelligent living? Discernment for living in a decadent society is to be found in the scriptures, for the scriptures declare the mind of God and reveal to us how He desires us to live. As King David said in Psalm 119:9-11: “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. With all my heart I have sought Thee; Do not let me wander from Thy commandments. Thy word I have treasured in my heart that I may not sin against Thee."
Although it is true that we are living in unmapped territory, it is also true that the Lord has provided the Bible, His very word as a map that is to guide us as we chart our course in a lost and dying world.
Serving Him with you until He comes for us, Fred |