February 17, 1999
FAMILY MATTERS:
How can I uphold godly moral standards?___ As a grandmother of two intelligent grandsons, I have tried to teach them to set high standards and practice Christian ethics. During this past year, I have heard them echo the opinion polls, saying: "Why abide by outdated ethics? No one else does. People who do never win." I see them accepting ungodly actions as normal. What can I say to fight public opinion?
___ America not only is lowering its moral
expectations, but Christians who feel helpless to stop what is happening are silent. Individuals feel they get away with immoral and unethical acts because they don't get caught. The fact is none of us "gets away" with anything. God sees everything and holds us responsible.
SANDY ABERNATHY
Director, Buckner
ElderCare Services
Dallas
___Immoral, wicked leaders have existed from the beginning. Moses had Pharaoh, Jesus had Herod, Germany had Hitler and, sadly, the list goes on.
___Despite these men, God's will has been accomplished, and he has led his people and developed personal relationships with those who love him.
___God's will is not determined by men who rule. In fact, throughout the Old Testament, God's will triumphed over those who ruled.
___At the same time, God used wicked leaders to test the moral temperature of a nation. When Israel fell below the acceptable level of moral or ethical standards, they spent 40 years in the wilderness. When a nation found itself ready to seek and adopt God's standards again, they found the promised land.
___This biblical principle still works for a nation, a company, a family and an individual.
___As we watch our nation struggle with ethical questions, we can be sure that America's moral temperature is being tested. Ethics are what you do, not what you preach.
___So, as a grandmother, keep telling your grandsons what they need to hear so they know what to do when they are tested. Don't faint or grow weary in your attempt to teach them godly standards and ethics. Don't be surprised by the reactions you get. The voice in the wilderness rarely was accepted, and the prophets often died in their attempts to deliver God's truth.
___Despite all, God's truth survived.
___Many seniors, like yourself, struggle as they watch God's ethics and standards minimized. But take heart. God has not changed. His principles and standards are the same, and your faith still is in good hands.
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