A Deity Named Times
I am writing this because I'm sick and tired. I'm tired of hearing people attempt to rationalize whatever they want to do by saying "the Church is not with the times," the Church is out of step with the modern world, or times have changed. You hear these when the Holy Father issues a teaching that the world deems to be controversial. You can also hear this when a Protestant minister offends people by quoting Scripture.
My question is, who are these supposed deities named "Times" and "Modern World," and why should I listen to them? Whoever they are, they can't seem to make up their minds. At one point in time, they told us that it was wrong to steal, cheat, or lie. They told us that sex was to be reserved for a husband and his wife who were not artificially trying to block the transmission of life. They told us that we should strive for eternal life with a God who loves us but who gives us free will. If we didn't, we got what we chose. Now, they seem to be telling us the opposite message.
Are they above the God who made Heaven and Earth? People seem to think so. If "Times" or "Modern World" contradict the Gospel, people assume they are not bound by this anymore. It is as if "Times" and "Modern World" will somehow shield them from the last judgment. "Times" and "Modern World" do not care what one believes. They don't even require worship. It's a small wonder that so many people flock to them. We have a tendency within us not to want to change our lifestyle. Just ask any therapist.
Well, the truth is that there is no deity named "Times" or "Modern World." These two things are only the decisions of so-called experts and trendsetters who, whether knowingly or unknowingly, are filled with pride. The irony of it all is that people are invoking them to avoid submitting themselves to a God who loves them and only wants what is best for them for all eternity. People seek happiness and fulfillment in "new and exciting" trends rather than in the all-knowing, loving, and merciful God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They go about chasing everything under the sun only to find themselves still empty, but by-darn they still know that Jesus Christ is not the answer. Let us pray that they submit themselves to the one, true, living God before it is too late.