“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil” Isaiah 5:20
We live in an upside down world. Good is called bad and wrong is called right. The world even tries to silence voices of reason and truth in order to protect, promote, and pursue what they want. How should believers go about life in a culture that’s turning 180 degrees from God and His Word?
First, realize that none of this shocks God. In fact, the Bible speaks directly to this way of thinking and where it leads. Replacing truth with lies sears the conscience, making it possible to believe whatever their own minds make up (1 Timothy 4:2). Once sin is accepted as normal, lawlessness increases and love decreases (Matthew 24:12). Consequently, people become contentious, and are driven by bodily desires and cravings (2 Peter 3:3).
Christians respond to all this in a variety of ways, but we generally fall into one of three categories. A few choose to be guardians of truth. They not only take a stand on what the Bible says but strive to faithfully live it out. Others are closet Christians. They believe the Bible to be true but are shamed and intimidated into silence. Then there are the compliant. Like the frog in the kettle, they’ve slowly gotten used to the world’s way of thinking.
What is your personal response to living in an upside down world? Are you silent about your faith and biblical beliefs? Then it’s time to come out of the closet! Or maybe the world doesn’t quite look upside down to you. Then carefully consider Isaiah’s warning, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). You cannot comply with wickedness and submit to Christ at the same time.
Taking a stand on biblical truth requires overcoming the fear factor. Proverbs tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (9:10); but “The fear of man brings a snare” (29:25). You’re either going to fear the world or fear God. Only you can choose which one dominates your life.
If you choose to be a guardian of truth, then the world will try to intimidate you into silence. Just remember, picking a fight about the Bible isn’t the same as taking a stand for it. While believers should not compromise, neither should we be contentious. God knows that His people live in an upside down world. He will enable you to stand strong as you rely on His strength and wisdom.