Conflict in Culture

A merica is being divided Clayton Adams

by political wars between Democrats and Republicans. Our government is devolving into self-destructive arguments and the harshness, cruelty and lies increase with every election.

We, “the people” are witnessing our nations destruction and are willing to give anyone and everyone a try at leading, governing and managing our nation. Every part of our American culture is being compromised. Our freedoms of religion, press, speech, to bear arms (own guns), due process are all under attack.

Jesus speaks directly to this issue of being confused and misled, “… See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, I am the Christ, and will mislead many. You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end … Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:4-6, 11).

To illustrate this confusion, consider Pilate, the Roman ruler who stood between Jesus and the angry crowd. Pilate admits to the crowd that Jesus has done nothing to be arrested, tried, and punished. The pressure mounts, Pilate is confused by listening to the leaders of the Jews who wanted Jesus dead.

Pilate disregards the advice of his wife to let Jesus go.

Finally, Pilate gives in to the angry crowd. Against his own conviction, against what he knew to be right, Pilate sent Jesus to be crucified on the Cross (John chapters 18-19). Pilate gave up his leadership, trust and soul by betraying Jesus. Many of our current leaders are like Pilate, they have given up their leadership and souls to grab what they cannot keep.

We are no different than Pilate. Today, we stand before what we know is right and wrong, enduring a clamoring and confused culture screaming, demanding more … more what? We are drugging, drinking, eating, entertaining, and indulging ourselves into oblivion.

What once was wrong and even illegal is now “right” and legal. Leaders in every area deny the Bible, God, Jesus, sin, hell, heaven, and self-control in favor of self-expression, pursuit of satisfaction proving that the “wise” have now become the foolish.

Is there a cure, a balm, a salve, a healing agent to use? There is! The Bible offers a cure that can save you, and everyone else.

The Bible that can put us back on solid ground.

“For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We are all sinners, including myself. The older I become and recognize my failures the greater compassion I have for others and their struggles.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). I am glad God demonstrated His love first through His Creation then by His Son, Jesus.

There is a cost to sin.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). There is a cost to doing as we please and turning away from God.

When Pilate stood before the clamoring crowd to deliver Jesus up for crucifixion, there were the religious and political leaders adding fuel to the fire. These leaders were afraid of losing their influence, power, and money – not any different than our leaders today.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:9-10). Like the old saying, I would rather go to church with hypocrites than to hell with them.

“Where sin abounds, grace does much more abound” (Romans 5:20).

To anyone who believes that one sin or another is unforgivable, unconquerable, or worse than any other sin – there is only one sin that is not forgivable, Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit as Jesus said (Mark 3:28-29). All other sins are forgivable!

God does not hold our sin over us – He forgives! God does not judge the sin He forgives. Moreover, God provides a way of escape from our temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13). Look to the future and keep your eyes on the prize – eternity with Jesus in heaven.

There is a day coming when every person shall stand before God to give an accounting, “…it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, those who eagerly await Him” (Hebrews 9:27-28).

When you stand before God, will it be with conflict or peace in your heart? To replace conflict with peace, I offer a simple prayer, Lord, I confess my sin before you, forgive me. Help me to overcome my battles with your Word, your Spirit and your Son, Jesus Christ.

I believe your Son Jesus Christ is the door to Heaven and to You. Help me live my life for you and not for myself. Amen.

Clayton Adams, West Memphis, AR, email: claytonpadamslll@gmail.com.