Friday, October 3, 2014
The meaning of words seem to change from one generation to another. For example, I was listening earlier today to a well known TV sports analyst describe one of the best quarterbacks presently in the NFL as being a “bad boy.” It is obvious to everybody that he really meant that, in his opinion, said quarterback is an excellent football player. Some of you who are older may remember that a generation ago there were many popular songs where the word “gay” was used, today hardly ever. Then, there have always been words that can indicate opposite meanings; “tough” is one of them. Thinking about the “bad boy” reference reminded me of this notable bible verse: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20) In this case, these are they who deliberately call something evil as being a good thing. Folks like these make a mockery of God’s Word and in essence are shaking their fists at Him. The following verse to the one cited goes on to say that these are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.
Those of you who belong to the culture that invented the word “macho” will not be surprised to hear of the reaction I got from one of our own when I shared with him the news a few years back about our president’s strange affair with a female White House intern. His reaction was, “Oohuy, that’s my president!” Obviously, to his way of thinking, that is expected behavior from a “real man.” Culture or no culture, to say that something that God called evil is good, and vice versa, is to play a very dangerous game. I’m sure you all know people who are like that, who seem to relish playing that game. They may be enjoying themselves now but, in time, they will be getting a very rude surprise if they don’t change their way of thinking
Then, of course, there are those who think that calling things by a different name will change everything. That practice is common today. Drunkards become alcoholics, adulterers become “unfaithful”, and sins become mistakes, just to name a few. It changes nothing. Its like the old saying, “Bologna is bologna no matter what you call it or how you slice it.” Lets make every effort to see things the way the Lord sees them. More importantly, lets not try to justify our actions when we do wrong. Confessing to God and asking His pardon is the surest and quickest way of making things right with Him. That really shouldn’t be a tall order for, after all, God’s true children are honest and accountable.
Memory verse for the week: (Psalm 9:9) The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
