I’m getting (a little) tired of hearing about how everything is relative and that there are no absolutes in this world anymore. “Your values and morals are defined by your perception of right and wrong,” people say. “Your worldview has no reference point but your own concocted belief system.” How ignorant of humanity to believe that our finite minds can become the moral compass that guides our values. In one regard, the pendulum has swung from persecuting people of faiths, to a universal tolerance of all “religions,” beliefs, and even opinions. “Whatever works for you,” has become the pad-answer of modern society.
How are we different as Christians? What is it that sets us apart? The obvious answer is that if nothing else, we will not be separated from our Maker for eternity in the life to come. Both non-Christians and Christians, however, argue even this belief. Some believe the idea of eternal punishment is a fairy-tale. Without digressing too much on this topic, the Bible is very clear about the existence of Hell. Though it was created solely for the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41), those who have not accepted Christ will most certainly join him in what can be considered the “second death” (John 5:29, Rev. 19:20). Romans 3:23 is very clear about death being the resulting wage of sin. No matter how people try to interpret the word “death,” there is no positive meaning for it. Human beings inherently fear death, in any fashion – physical or spiritual. Jesus also says in Luke 12:5, “But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell.”
How do we as Christians set ourselves apart from the world by being “in it, not of it” (John 15:19) without adopting a self-righteous demeanor? Where is the balance between living a life that is obviously different than those who do not know Christ, and a “holier-than-thou” attitude? The world has got to see a difference in this lifetime or they will not feel they have any reason to become a Christian (outside the power and intervention of the Holy Spirit, which is indeed necessary in every conversion). We cannot play head-games with people. They cannot be conned, or argued into Heaven. They have to see the truth, and the Truth will set them free (John 8:32).
