Taking the High Road

There was a time when people tried to achieve the best. It wasn’t about doing just enough to get by but pushing themselves to do better. Now it seems that we are so focused on not wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings that we keep lowering the standards. Years ago, we used to have the highest scores in education, and now we are a long way down from the top. It seems we expect less because we don’t want anyone to feel bad, so have failed to push for excellence. There seems to be an effort to lower standards so that no one loses, but in the process, it is becoming a reality that no one really wins. We allow men to participate in women’s sports because they identify as a woman, which is unfair to biological women. I believe God’s word tells us He created them male and female. If, however, there are those that feel they need that classification, they can compete among those of similar identity. We see entrance tests to get into colleges have been lowered to accommodate those that are politically correct to receive, but in the end, hurt to whole focus of a higher learning institution. Sadly, I see this same mind set falling into the hearts of “Christians”. We generally teach less, demand less of the students, try to entertain them so we don’t lose them. The parents need to be pushing for their children to learn and grow in the faith. About 150 years ago, Sunday School didn’t even exist, as the parents educated the children at home and they grew together in faith as families came to church. Many have even softened their stance on sin. We not only see churches not standing on God’s definition of male and female, but we often don’t even seem offended by the couple that lives together before marriage or just chooses not to get married. I think we are often afraid to address sin because we don’t want to offend anyone, but to soft pedal on sin is extremely offensive to God and will likely have eternal consequences when it comes to the final judgement. I read a great quote today, “When the Lord's white sheep become dirty gray, all black sheep feel more comfortable.” Down grading the consequence of sin helps no one. The one who sins is still guilty. There is no pressure or expectation not to sin. Those that are sinning are unphased. Lord, may we always desire to give our best in service to You. May our sins, all kinds, grieve us as we know they grieve You. Amen