Judges 21:25, 2:1-5
If there are two words that best characterize American culture over the last 35 years, they are innovation and individualism. Silicon Valley has become the biggest influencer of culture not only in the West, but also globally. Technology shapes the way many think, perceive, relate, communicate, work, play, plan, do commerce and educate. It becomes the way they present ourselves, the way they look for acceptance, affirmation and identity. But that convenience can erode long-standing values, customs, beliefs, interpersonal interactions and privacy. Those same problems plagued the Children of Israel after leaving Egypt and becoming immersed in the surrounding Canaanite culture. Israel became overrun with polygamy, child sacrifice, sodomy, polytheism, violence, poverty and despair. Their Covenant relationship with God eroded resulting in God’s judgement on them in droughts, famines, plagues, and losses in warfare. We see today the same decline in Christian witness, institutions and cultural influence.
Failure To Keep Covenant. A mindset behind innovation is that new things are better than old, and we cannot be constrained with old ideas and old ways of thinking. However, that is in conflict with God’s immutable Word and His statutes. We are to keep our word, vows, obligations and the deposit of faith handed down to us. If we do not keep God’s Covenant, we will be swept away by the world.
Hyper-Individualism. Hyper-individualism is the rejection of divine authority. Self becomes the measure and center of all things, with no need or desire to reverence the Lord. Colleges and universities, science, our judicial and political systems and social institutions are not deferring to God. Everyone has an opinion and feels compelled to express themselves, but do those thoughts reflect the thoughts of God? Classroom teachers are forbidden to defer to God and many parents deem it unnecessary.
Hyper-Subjectivism Leads To Divisions. The culture, family and communities are divided because decisions are based on short-term desires and convenience rather than upon eternal principles. To say no to anything today is considered discrimination. Intellectual dishonesty is widespread, and misrepresenting facts by “spinning” is perfectly acceptable.
We Must Be Spirit Directed Not Self Directed. Ro 8:14 “For as many that are led by the Spirit of God are the Sons of God.” If any man has not the Spirit, he is none of His. The Bible warns of anti-Christs, which is not only the future enemy who opposes Christ, but also the things which are put in place of Christ today. Society has removed scripture and prayer from public gatherings and schools, and is openly opposing Christian values. The essential role of the Holy Spirit must be paramount in the life of the believer. We must walk, pray and sing in the Spirit, being regenerated by and filled with the Spirit to use the Sword of the Spirit to discern and cast out evil spirits. Before we can conquer the enemies that oppose God, we must keep the Covenant.