It is easy for Christians to lose focus in our present, politically charged atmosphere. This series, first published in September 2016, is a timely reminder of where our passions and longings should be ultimately directed. –ed.
If you were granted sovereignty for a day, what changes would you impose on the world?
Would you outlaw abortion? How about bringing an end to adultery, promiscuity, homosexuality, and other sexual sins? Would you focus your efforts on media issues, driving out the profanity, vulgarity, and immorality that dominate our entertainment? Or would you deal with social issues, stamping out crime, racism, and every other instance of injustice?
Today, Christians across the globe devote their time and energy to addressing all those issues—and more—hoping to solve this world’s numerous problems.
But let me suggest to you that those issues are all symptoms, and that working for incremental moral improvements in society is a lot like treating a severed limb with a Band-Aid. In order to do any lasting good in this world, the church needs to focus its efforts on the root cause of humanity’s true problem: sin.
In his sermon “The Deadly Dangers of Moralism,” John MacArthur warns that mere morality never saved anyone, but that it damns sinners just like immorality does.
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I encourage you to listen to the full sermon, as John enumerates several powerful and poignant reasons that moralism is a danger to the world and a detriment to the church. As we work throughout this series to develop a heavenly perspective, it’s important to recognize when our hearts are being dominated by the cares of this world.
Next time we’ll consider how to cultivate that perspective regarding the upcoming elections, and government in general. But right now we want to hear from you. What are some of the areas where the church has settled for promoting moralism, and how might believers better redirect their efforts for the sake of the gospel and God’s kingdom?
