Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things. Therefore, do not become their partners. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth— testing what is pleasing to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:6-10
From our Executive Director, Jim Wood:
At our ministry in Tennessee, we work with children from families in crisis. Wears Valley Ranch provides a comprehensive residential ministry for children whose families have been torn apart by substance abuse, violence, sexual abuse, illness or other tragedy. In addition to the children in care, every year we are contacted by hundreds of families, pastors, and educators seeking help for children in crisis. We have listened to the details of thousands of cases where family life has become a nightmare.
Solving the problems after an explosion has taken place can be like trying to unscramble an egg, though it is seldom hard to see what precipitated the crisis. In virtually every case, it’s clear that these families have not followed God’s pattern for the home. It is also apparent that in most cases the problems have been passed from generation to generation.
Because He loves us, God has established boundaries to keep our relationships healthy. As we deal with families in crisis, we see children whose parents were never married, and some whose parents were married but not to each other. We have even dealt with children whose lives began as the result of incest, making their father and grandfather the same person. We have children who have been violated by parents, stepparents, siblings and those whom they perceived to be family friends. The scope and severity of child abuse in our country is staggering. God’s boundaries are being ignored.
We live in a culture increasingly resistant to moral authority. It seems the only thing the public finds outrageous is being told that God calls certain behaviors sinful. While it is permissible to speak of unhealthy or dysfunctional relationships and risky behaviors, the popular refrain is, “We will not tolerate intolerance!”
The Creator designed life with a purpose. He has given us well-defined standards, which are true for every culture and every generation. Morality is not simply a matter of personal preferences. An individual’s morality will inevitably impact other people. Left to our own devices, without reference to God’s standard, life becomes a power struggle. The history of mankind shows that we not only reject God’s standard, we are unable to follow God’s standard apart from his grace. The consequences of rejecting God’s law are enormous.
“I don’t want anyone telling me what to do with my life!”
This is our problem going all the way back to the Garden of Eden. The serpent’s lies are still the same. “Did God really say you couldn’t? Don’t listen to God. Do what you want.” Adam joined with Eve in disobeying God. The result has been immeasurable suffering throughout all generations. Still, each individual in every generation must choose whether to embrace the Creator’s plan or succumb to Satan’s lie.
