(The following is the January 13 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Matthew 12 and pay close attention to verses 22-24.)
Isaiah wrote in the 700s B.C., “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” (Is. 5:20). In the first century, the Pharisees did what Isaiah said not to do. They accused Jesus – the perfect Son of God – of performing miracles by the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons. They witnessed firsthand “God with us,” Immanuel, and claimed he was God’s enemy. They accused the only one who was ever genuinely good of being evil.
We don't need to look far to confirm that Isaiah’s words still describe sinful humans. Watch or read the news and note which behaviors and beliefs receive praise as admirable. What conduct and opinions consistent with historic Christianity receive ridicule? A sinful world still calls evil good and good evil.
Sadly, many church leaders and members are as guilty as unbelievers in abandoning historic biblical teachings. They may do so to win the favor of society. They may claim such efforts help reach unbelievers, but we do more harm than good if we attract the lost with something other than biblical truth. We fail to function as the church Christ established to be light in the darkness if we abandon the light of God’s Word. We don’t speak the truth in love if we omit the truth.
We must know the Word of God, believe it, and trust that God knows what is best for us. We will only be salt and light to our world by remaining committed to his Word. What we believe and promote must be as the inspired biblical writers wrote it and as the true church has faithfully proclaimed it since Jesus ascended to Heaven.
Next Step:
Read or watch the news. What behaviors or beliefs are praised as good that the Bible declares evil? Study relevant Scripture passages to prepare yourself to speak to the topic from a biblical worldview.