The morality within our society is decaying at what seems to be a rapid rate. I spend some time studying our culture and analyzing trends and more and more I find that the words of Jeremiah 17:9 ring painfully true, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" We are a sinful people, living among sinful people. No surprise there. The harsh reality is how sinful we have become. At the risk of beating a dying and soon to be dead horse ... I will highlight just one sign of danger ahead that is cause for major concern (possibly more to follow in the next few weeks):
Over-Sexualized
- If we step out of the Church and into the "streets" we find a culture rampant with sex. Six of the top ten songs on iTunes are littered with sex. Including several songs that are so explicit that I couldn't even post the lyrics (*Note: Only one of these songs is actually tagged as explicit because of language - the rest are all considered clean because they only reference sex - no swear words). The top music videos are even worse including scenes of nudity available to any child able to access iTunes (which tragically is most children).
- Further to that we have a Sexual Tsunami that is going to catch many by surprise in the next year. We have seen the battle as LGBT (Lesbian-Gay-Bi-Trans) groups have clamored and fought for rights and freedoms. The "Church" has turmoiled over responses creating division and conflict. As new laws are enacted and freedoms granted we will find the battle will be tilted against those in opposition to same sex marriage and homosexual equality. The faith community has appeared to have no clue how to address this and have stood on two polar opposites - In full support or in total opposition. I don't know that either side is "right".
- FYI: The USA Supreme court has struck down the federal Defence of Marriage Act that has prevented married gay couples from receiving a range of tax, health and retirement benefits that are generally available to married people. As well, It upheld a lower court ruling to strike down a California law which banned gay marriage, paving the way for same-sex unions there.
I am reminded of the story of Eskimo Wolf Hunters who would coat a knife blade with animal blood and allow it freeze. They would add layer after layer until the knife was concealed by the frozen blood. Then, fixing the knife in the ground with the blade up the hunters work was complete. The wolf discovers the knife and blood and begins licking, tasting the fresh blood. He begins to lick faster, more and more vigorously, until the edge of the blade is bare. Feverishly, the wolf licks the blade in the cold Arctic night. His craving for blood is so great that the wolf does not notice the razor sharp sting of the blade on his own tongue. Nor does he recognize the instant when his insatiable thirst is being satisfied by his own warm blood. His carnivorous appetite continues to crave more until in the morning light, the wolf is found dead on the snow.
This is our current trajectory. Our society has an unquenchable longing for sex and all around people are chasing feverishly to satisfy their cravings. The moral decay in our society is rampant and far more visually disturbing than I am ready to cope with. However, it is no longer optional as to whether we "the Church" will address it or not. In its wake, the "death toll" of our sexualized society will be tragic and complete. There is a need for hope and help in the midst of all the self-inflicted hurt.
This is increasing as a mission of Youth Unlimited ... addressing the needs and hurts of a sexually rampant youth culture. Join us in praying for our ministry in this area. There is hope in the dark clouds of our culture. Specifically, we are hoping to begin a youth form of "Celebrate Recovery" this fall to assist youth in overcoming addiction and hurt in their lives.
