Reformation

A culture that is absolutely sure that there are no absolutes has little--if any--chance for reformation. They have no way of even agreeing among themselves as to what the problems are--let alone finding solutions. Divisiveness and animosity and the fear engendered toward "them" as opposed to "us" becomes endemic. And the symptoms have no cure because the culture refuses to acknowledge the disease--a refusal to submit to the authority of the Creator God of the Bible. In such a culture, what must a poor, misguided believer in absolutes do?
Obey. Submit to God's absolute authority over your decisions and your lifestyle. Be light. Be salt. That is the way to demonstrate that His commandments are not a burden--not grievious. In fact, they are freeing, liberating, joy-engendering. They are the pathway to blessing even in the worst of times. We must show them that God's love is a caring love. We must show them that God's faithfulness is an "in-the-midst" faithfulness. He is always there--always here--with us step by step. We obey Him because we love Him. We love Him because He first loved us. We love and obey Him so that He can transform us into His image--so that we can demonstrate His loyal, seeking love to everyone He brings into our lives. We lift Him up that He might draw you to Himself.
And focus. Not on the symptoms. Let them see Jesus in our walk. Let them experience His love every time that we interact with them. In our attitude toward sin, let us be the proof that God so loved the sinful world. That was--was it not--His response? "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life." I know, we can't save the culture. But we can introduce every one we meet to the Savior. First, through our loving obedience to Him and then through our words--through His words of beseeching love. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Faith comes by hearing.

The spirit of Christmas: I will in His place love you sacrificially on His behalf. I will love you enough to do all that I can to meet your needs in every way I can within the bounds of His absolute truth--truth immersed in the love of the cross. I will love in such a way that you might know that His love is a compassionate love--active not passive. He didn't die to condemn the world but to save it--not willing that any should perish. He not only can save you; it is His heart's desire.

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--the worst of them; even me. And that is the absolute truth.