One of the immediate items revealed in a brief Old Testament review is that God instated a set of principles by which we as people are to live.

prin·ci·ple
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, modification of Middle French principe, from Latin principium beginning, from princip-, princeps initiator — more at PRINCE
1 a : a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption b (1) : a rule or code of conduct (2) : habitual devotion to right principles <a man of principle> c : the laws or facts of nature underlying the working of an artificial device.

Some of the methodology has changed throughout our spiritual upbringing, but the principles have always remained the same.  This is why the psalmist would sing, “But You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end.” (Ps 102:27).

“But the values of men continually self-destruct by their own contradictions.”

Nevertheless, mankind has always had a tendency to follow his own will and desires.  Thus, man tries to develop his own sets of principles to live by. But the values of men continually self-destruct by their own contradictions.  For example, there is a cry in our land for an absolute freedom of speech.  That is why the incredibly violent and vulgar aspects of the Internet, rap and metal music, the movie industry, and art is not only allowed, but legally protected.  Yet, society often demands that one must control his or her speech in relation to “offending” someone.  Subsequently, there is an obvious discrepancy and contradiction between the standards.

I realize some may immediately react to this statement with arguments surrounding censorship, but that is not my purpose.  Therefore, I will not attempt to “cover all the bases” in this briefing.  What I do want you to see is that there is already of set of standards in place that God desires for us to live by.  With this in mind, consider how many decisions we face that are based upon what the general consensus concludes.  After all, does it not sound correct to go with the majority rule? Yet God has called us not to what the majority of mankind thinks. In fact, He has called us “out” of what the bulk of the world would determine as truth and justice. Is not Satan the ruler of this world (John 14:30; “Ruler” only in the sense of those who reject Christ)?  God has called us to His truth and to His justice in Jesus Christ.  So, remember in your day-to-day activities and decisions that God has set forth a pattern with principles to live by.  Sift everything through the screen of His word and view everything through the eyes of Jesus.  But be prepared – many times it will be against the so-called “majority” view.

Keep the Faith

jas