Bottom Line, Up Front: Sin diminishes both individuals, nations, and epochs but righteousness honors the Lord and finds favor from the Author of life.

Our Days:  The behaviors of some men and women at the opening ceremony of the Olympics in France this month mocked the Christian ordinance of the Lord’s Supper at levels that stagger the senses of both believers and unbelievers. We are living amidst a time where crassness is celebrated, and godliness and humility are derided. Speaking just for myself, it breaks my heart. Why? Because I have studied history enough to know that vileness of this level merits the judgment of God, and God is not mocked, because what man sows, he reaps. “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (Galatians 6:7, ESV). Generally speaking, people do not fear God. And that is dangerous, folks. We did not create ourselves (we all have birthdays and navels), and we are therefore foolish when we spit in the face of the holy and divine.

Historical Example: In 2 Kings, Manasseh made a lifestyle of doing “evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 21:2). He built altars to demons; he sacrificed children; he dealt in necromancy and witchcraft; he mocked God. 2 Kings 21 is one of the darkest chapters of the Bible. But it’s there for our instruction and warning. We’re to learn not to be foolish, but to repent and return to the Lord. That’s the hallmark of wisdom, you will remember: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10a, ESV).

Encouragement: I heard someone say recently that we have reached a tipping point in our culture. And then he uttered this zinger: “It’s revival or bust.” I think he is right. As for me and my household, we want to be part of “the good guys,” because God is the Author of all that is good, beautiful, and true. And I pray with all I have that God will raise up courageous truth-tellers who will count the costs and be found faithful at such a time as this. Because we are flirting with judgment of biblical/cosmic proportions.