“The Christian standard of living is different from that of the world. As believers we are to be salt and light in a decaying and dark society. God calls us to be different. Unfortunately, that isn’t easy when we become victims of society. Sometimes, we become so deeply engulfed in the world’s system that even though God’s Word speaks clearly on certain issues, we have a difficult time hearing, understanding, and applying its teaching.†~John MacArthur
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What is so dark and decaying about today’s society? What makes it worse than before?
Wictims of society? What is that about? You live in the society, accept it. Or if you don’t accept it, then isolate yourself from it.
Steph,
While I have my suspicions that your comment is more of the “drive-by” variety, I’ll go ahead and respond anyway…once.
First of all, it isn’t that today’s society is so much worse than it was 200 years ago. (Just look at Genesis 6 or Genesis 19…These events took place not many generations after God had created the earth!)
But, look around! We live in a decaying and dark society. Rampant immorality, homosexuality, violence… But aside from that, Philippians 2:15 tells us that we are to “be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” So, not only do I see the perversion and debauchery around me (in the news, in movies, television, “reality” shows), I am told in Scripture that we live in the midst of a crooked, twisted, and dark generation (thus the need for light).
That, my friend, is the very reason we cannot isolate ourselves from society.
Yes, we may live in this twisted and darkened world. But accepting that as a fact, does not mean accepting as normative, or acceptable, the sinful ways of the world. 1 John 2:15 clearly tells us, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
Sadly though, like Lot (in Genesis 19), many Christians do exactly as you suggest – they accept it – becoming victims of a sinful, perverse and decaying culture. And, they become calloused to the truth, and turn a deaf ear to the teaching and rebuke of God’s Word. But, also like Lot, if they are genuine believers, their righteous souls are (or should be) tormented over the lawless deeds [they] see and hear. (A loose paraphrase of 2 Peter 2:8)