We're Confused

There seems to be confusion about what it means to be a Christian in society today. I recently read a study completed by The Barna Research Group that would indicate that, “Contradictions and confusion permeate the spiritual condition of the nation.” The moral foundations of the nation are crumbling. This year brought about increases in Americans who believe that Cohabitation 60%, Adultery 42%, Homosexuality (30%), Pornography (38%), and Gambling (61%) are “morally acceptable” behaviors. Although just 38% of the adult public have confessed their sins and accepted Christ as their savior, 99% claim they will not go to Hell after they die. In fact, a majority of Americans do not believe that Satan exists and most adults are leery about the existence of Hell. The fact that just 9% of born again Christians, have a biblical worldview, sheds light on the distorted viewpoints that reign in the U.S.
In spite of the contradictions outlined in this study, God and his word, the Bible, have not changed. God’s word makes His expectation clear. Romans 12:1-2 - Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 1 John 2:15 - Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
The question is, “how do we live and survive in the world system and yet not be part of it?” This has always been the critical issue of Christianity and it is a battle that we are losing. The answer to living a successful Christ filled life is simple but difficult. God is willing to equip us for this task if we ask. The keys to success are WISDOM, HONESTY, AND INTEGRITY.
• Wisdom is the knowledge of what is right and true coupled with the ability to put it into action. James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God.
• Honesty is the act of telling the truth. Proverbs 12:17 - He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit.
• Integrity is living according to moral and ethical principles. Proverbs 20:7 - The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.
Equipped with these three essential characteristics of the Spirit filled life we can not only live in the world but we can successfully withstand its temptations. Strengthened with the power of God we can say with assurance, “I will never be the same again. I can never return I've closed the door; I will walk the path, I'll run the race, and I will never be the same again.”