Let Us Stand Immovable

If one finds himself lost in the woods without a map or a GPS, a small round device which has been used for centuries can prove a helpful tool. The compass which is correctly calibrated will always point the needle north so that the traveler can be certain of his direction. This is due to a small magnetic strip in the compass which is aligned with the earth’s natural magnetic north pole. Thus, even though one’s surroundings might be unfamiliar and one’s senses might be deceived, the accurate compass will be unmoved in its bearings. It will always lead to truth north.

In matters of the soul, judgment, and eternity, a reliable compass is indispensable. With so many opposing views and variable claims upon right from wrong, how can we find our way? Our emotions, our senses, and even the most well-meaning guides can prove unreliable. Scripture provides one unflappable guide—TRUTH. While this concept is quickly being devalued in our current culture of moral chaos, truth will alone stand when every other claim is debunked in history. David provided the great merit of truth when, by the Holy Spirit’s direction, he penned, “He who…speaks truth in his heart…shall never be moved” (Psalm 15:2, 5). With ultimate authority, Jesus (who is Truth) stated, “…the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Both David and Jesus were referring to the truth as given by God in His Word. In a world of unreliable information and ever-changing social norms, truth is a reliable guide. Even amidst the constant pressure to capitulate to the pleasure of the crowd, truth will lead in the right path. Even when all others stand against us, truth will make us immovable.

Perhaps one of the clearest examples of such is that of three young Jewish men living under the control of a maniacal, narcissistic ruler centuries ago. Stripped from their homeland and induced into the service of godless Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were primed for compromise. Though their allegiance was to worship Yahweh God alone, social and political threats caused most other Jews to bow to the evil demands of the king. Yet, even when intimidated by the threat of certain death, these young men would not relent. They would worship no other but God alone. Such devotion is epitomized by their unified statement, “…our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18). Under such pressure, how could they remain unwavering? Because they stood upon unshakable truth.

While temptations have always abounded to veer from God’s command, the pressure to do such is coming in greater intensity in our current culture. Oppression and persecution for following Christ and His Word are no longer relegated to distant lands. This pressure is surrounding us all. And rather than remaining faithful to Christ by standing on the truth, many are faltering. Two examples prove the point.

• Bethany Christian Services, the largest Christian adoption agency in the United States, recently changed course regarding its allowance of adoption services to same-sex couples. For 75 years, the organization upheld God’s Word regarding marriage as that of one man and one woman, thus working to assist only those such applicants. Yet, under intense political pressure and costly lawsuits, the adoption agency capitulated to LGBTQ demands. Their reasoning is summarized by their published statement: “We acknowledge that discussions about doctrine are important, but our sole job is to determine if a family can provide a safe, stable environment for children.” In other words, truth has taken a back seat to cultural pressure.

• Wheaton College, an evangelical Christian university since 1860, and particularly famous as the school attended by Billy Graham, recently ceded to enormous pressure regarding a notable plaque. The plaque commemorated the evangelistic efforts of alumni Jim Elliot and Ed McCully, who decades ago had given their lives attempting to take the gospel to the Auca tribe of Ecuador. The plaque referred to the tribe as “savages”, a term than some consider to be offensive. However, the Auca tribe was infamously known for its brutal violence, with the word Auca actually meaning “savage” in their native tongue. After maliciously spearing five missionaries, the plaque was erected as a proclamation of the gospel to all the world, at all costs. Yet, Wheaton College removed the plaque because the pressure of political correctness proved more expedient than the truth.

These instances of moral maneuvering may seem distant and extreme. Yet, make no mistake, the “woke” culture, which stands opposed to God’s Word and the gospel of Jesus Christ, is coming for every supposed believer. Mark my words, there will not be a community, a school, a denomination, a church, a family, or an individual, who will not be pressured to relent to the moral madness of the mob. The gospel stands in direct opposition to man’s sinful nature. We are beyond the days of hearing about Christian persecution in other countries alone. It is now at our doorsteps.

As we experience social pressure to compromise the principles of God’s Word, one thing alone will make us unshakable—TRUTH. Either God’s Word is true at all times, in all places, and for all people, or it is just another fashionable social norm which has run its course. Let us not give in. Let us stand our ground. For very soon, the King will return, and only those standing upon the truth will be saved.

Jason