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Salt and Light in a Pride Culture — 9/10/2024 10:00 AM
Today's Creation Conference speaker is Martyn Iles, Executive CEO for Answers in Genesis. Speaking from Genesis 11, Mr. Iles looks at what the Bible says about a culture that is at risk of radical, moral decay.
Notes
Navigating Cultural Decay With Biblical Wisdom: Lessons From Babel
In an era where cultural norms seem to shift drastically, it is crucial for Christians to reflect on biblical teachings. One lesson to instruct us comes from Genesis 11, the story of the Tower of Babel. This passage offers helpful insights into our contemporary struggle with cultural pride and moral decay.
The Tower of Babel: A Biblical Snapshot
In Genesis 11, humanity’s ambition led them to build a tower reaching the heavens. The people said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves” (Genesis 11:4, NIV). This act of collective pride and self-sufficiency stood in stark contrast to God’s design. Their aim was to create a name for themselves, relying solely on their own strength rather than acknowledging God’s sovereignty. God’s response was to confuse their language, scattering them across the Earth. The moral of this story is not just about the architectural feat but about the pride that motivated it — a pride that sought to rival God’s authority.
Mirroring Babel in Modern Culture
The narrative of Babel resonates deeply with contemporary issues. In societies like the USA, which have historically been blessed by God with prosperity, there is a growing trend towards a godless form of pride. Much like Babel, modern culture often glorifies self-sufficiency and personal achievement. This shift can lead to a kind of moral decay where values are reversed and self becomes the ultimate standard. Abraham, in contrast to Babel’s pride, exemplified faith in God. As Paul writes, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3, NIV). This faithfulness is a model for us, demonstrating that true value comes from placing our trust in God rather than ourselves.
Facing Hostility and Persecution
In our current culture, Christians are increasingly facing hostility for their beliefs. Jesus Himself warned, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness” (Matthew 5:10, NIV). Such persecution is not a sign of abandonment but an opportunity to witness for Christ. When we stand against the prideful norms of our culture, we may encounter resistance. However, this resistance can serve as an opportunity for deeper engagement with our faith. As the pressures mount, it is vital to remain steadfast and retain our “salt” and “light.”
Action Steps for Christians
- Reflect on Your Values: Assess how cultural pride may influence your beliefs and actions. Commit to aligning your values with biblical principles.
- Stand Firm in Faith: Embrace the challenges and hostility as opportunities to witness. Remember, God works through our perseverance and faithfulness.
- Be Salt and Light: Let your actions and words reflect the love and truth of Christ. Engage with the world around you in a way that demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel.
In conclusion, the story of Babel serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of pride and self-reliance. By reflecting on this biblical account and applying its lessons to our lives, we can navigate our culture with grace, integrity, and unwavering faith. Embrace the call to be salt and light and trust that God’s work in you will shine brightly even in the midst of adversity.