We Need to Stand Firm in the Midst of Extremes
Photo by Hannes du Plessis on Unsplash
Extreme opposites
Today, many of us don’t want to share our opinions and thoughts with certain people because we know it will stir up arguments and strife. Arguments that are futile. Who needs more strife in their life? No thanks!
On the other hand, way too many people are quick to share their thoughts and opinions whether or not you want to hear them. These are people who seem to thrive on stirring up contentious arguments. Social media platforms provide an ever-ready and convenient outlet for them.
Polarization is the current buzzword used to describe the toxic political and social environment of America. There doesn’t seem to be much middle ground based on the loud rhetoric that shouts down any differing opinions.
Even a sense of what is right and wrong is in question. Truth and justice have become relative terms dependent on personal persuasions and feelings. These relativistic values become a basis for categorizing and even canceling other people.
This is how it appears on the surface, but I don’t believe it’s accurate for most people. The north and south poles are at opposite ends of the earth but are small compared to the world in between.
When the focus on a certain issue or concern emphasizes an extreme perspective, it comes at the cost of the truth. Focusing on extremes obscures the truth, which typically exists somewhere between extreme and opposite positions.
If this becomes the norm rather than the exception to the rule, truth and justice are set aside and replaced with a distortion of truth and justice. Morality becomes subjective and based on a personalized scale of right and wrong.
When this happens, people tolerate those who are guilty and corrupt, while the innocent and righteous are ignored or crushed and oppressed.
This disgusts the Lord, who is righteous and true, and ought to do the same for those of us who trust in Him. But this makes it personal for each of us.
Do you avoid discussing what is true, just, and good? Or do you stand firm in your convictions? Are you shaped by cultural tides flowing around you, or do you hold to biblically based truth and justice?
Scripture
Whoever approves of wicked people
and whoever condemns righteous people is disgusting to the Lord.
To punish an innocent person is not good.
To strike down noble people is not right. (Proverbs 17:15, 26 GW)
(Context— (Proverbs 17:15-28 GW)
Simple insights
Cultural shifts take place frequently. A wind of new wisdom and insight blows in and people get swept up and away with whatever the popular current may be. This is not new. History reminds us of this if we pay attention to it.
But, when cultural currents flip our moral standards upside down and ethics are mocked—the people of God must take action.
“What can we do about it?” you might ask.
We need to stand firm in what we know to be right and true and good. This is a continuing message in Proverbs (Prov 1:1-7). This is what the Lord expects of those who trust in Him.
Does it sound too simplistic, even weak? It isn’t. When political, cultural, and spiritual trends and currents swirl around you, it’s a challenge to stand firm.
Have you ever tried standing in a swift-moving stream while standing on a rocky and sandy riverbed? You’ll find it’s not so easy.
How about standing in the ocean in knee-deep water where the waves break near the shore with the back-and-forth movement of the tide? If you’re not careful, it will knock you down and pull you out into deeper water and stronger waves.
When truth and justice get perverted—stand firm!
Stand firm in what is right and true and just. Stand up for the innocent and oppressed. Move beyond ideology and rhetoric when confronted with a distortion of truth and justice.
As it says in the book of Romans—
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good. (Rom 12:21 GW)
This is difficult to do in many real-life circumstances, but God will honor it. The more you and I stand firm, the stronger we become. This honors the Lord and He honors those who trust in Him (1 Samuel 2:30).
Reflection—
We need to stand firm in what we know to be right and true and good. The Lord expects all people who trust in Him to do this. Let’s move beyond ideology and rhetoric when confronted with a distortion of truth and justice.
Prayer Focus—
Pray for God to make the truth of His written word more clear to you, especially when He speaks of how we are to live and act as His living representatives in this world. Ask for discernment, discretion, and wisdom for how to stand firm for what is good, true, right, and just.
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