Niels Bohr, who won a Nobel Prize for physics, said, “Technology has advanced more in the last thirty years than in the previous two thousand.  The exponential increase in advancement will only continue.”  Bohr never saw the internet or even a personal computer.  He died in 1962, well before smartphones and high definition televisions.  Yet even in the 1900’s, Bohr saw the technology explosion happening and growing.

Our society has changed very rapidly over the past hundred years.  Technology is certanily indicative of that.  But we have also seen social, economic, and political changes as well. I am proud to say that, for the most part, there is a greater sensitivity to the equality of people than ever before.  This is certainly a biblical concept, since we are all created in the image of God.

But along with these changes come some very dangerous new worldviews.  As Christians, we must recognize and even embrace changes in society without compromising the unchanging Word of God.  There is a delicate balance between being hateful and being honest.  How we walk this thin line is crucial to our evangelistic opportunities.  Let me share several principles that we must try to apply to our daily living.

First, we cannot hide the Word of God.  The morality of the Bible is not a secret, nor is it meant to be camouflaged.  It is truth and we must be willing to uphold this truth regardless of the perceived reaction.  Sharing the truth is not hateful.  It is the most loving thing that we can do.  Because with understanding of God’s standard comes the realization of the need for salvation in Jesus Christ.

Second, we cannot hide behind the Word of God.  In other words, we cannot use the Bible as an excuse to be hateful or unforgiving.  I hate reading political blogs, even ones who’s ultimate position I align myself with, because they often twist the BIble into a weapon against people who do not agree with them.  But God’s Word was never used against people.  God is for us!  God’s Word is a strong weapon against the spiritual powers who lead people astray.  “For our battle is not against the flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:12).

Finally, we cannot hide from the Word of God.  We spend so much time focused on what society needs to hear from the Bible that we forget ask, “how does the Bible change me?”  The key to changing our culture away from sin and to the cross of Christ doesn’t begin with behavior change.  It begins with the people of God (Christians) living obediently in salvation.  “And My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”  It begins with God’s people living godly lives.  Christians carrying out the great commission.  Believers loving sinners.  And the church obediently serving.

How do we handle an ever changing society?  The same way we always have.  We hold fast to an unchanging God.  We must love and embrace the people of our society.  And the only way to do that is to hold fast to the truth of God’s Word.