I know that this is supposed to be the time of year when we focus on decking the halls and other fun stuff. But, today, something much more serious is on my mind. I really hate to refer you to this video, but I must. I think it serves as a vivid reminder that something is deeply broken in America. Please take a couple of minutes to watch to the end:
In what have typically been regarded as the highest strata in public life, particularly in academia, we have been robbed blind. While no one was guarding the goods, the Grinch has come and stolen what mattered most: the truth.
These universities are considered the elite among the elite. Can you even imagine a university president having difficulty condemning what would be obviously immoral if the question were posed in regard to African Americans or immigrants or members of the LGBT+ community. Here was the simple question asked by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik: “Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate [your university’s] code of conduct?”
Not one of the three presidents gave a clear “yes” in answer to that question. Not one. There appears to be no room in the inn for any clear distinction between right and wrong. Like you, I’m quite sure, I could hardly believe what I was seeing and hearing.
It appears that “tolerance” has led to anything but.
Under the banner of moral relativism, you see, every standard is up for grabs. When there’s no prevailing higher authority in place within a society, the collective morality devolves to the lowest common denominator – and we’re beginning to see just how low that can go.
Specifically, I think that we have a couple of “relativisms” on the loose right now in America. One I would call “Society Says Relativism.” This is when we allow unchecked government, media, and the entertainment industry (among other key players) to define morality. Next thing we know, we’re swimming in a stinky soup. The other form of relativism I would label “Because I Said So Relativism.” This kind might be even worse, because it allows for each one of us to determine ultimate moral standards, with no accountability whatsoever. It’s subjectivism on steroids, and we seem to be drowning in this too.
That’s what I think we’re observing in this video. Largely because of morally bankrupt politics, in my opinion, these key leaders refuse to issue a clear moral standard for their campuses. In fact, they appear to me to be offended that anyone would expect them to do so. Never mind that we’ve been sending and entrusting to them our brightest and our best students for years, if not generations, in the hopes that those students would enjoy the finest education on earth.
In a remarkably powerful and profound way, however, I do believe that all of this relates clearly to Christmas.
Our Lord Jesus came to this world to save us from morally bankrupt darkness (John 1:1-5). You and I are not to be angry at these academicians. Our petty anger would profit us nothing. Instead, this is our call to prayer. We ought to recognize the vastness of the spiritual black hole which is all around us, and we ought to cry out to God to bring to our land the revival of grace and truth which only He can send (John 1:14). Everybody needs Jesus, including us.
As you read these verses in John’s Gospel, I urge you not to miss that hope that is found in Verse 5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” That promised light includes true wisdom, moral excellence, and knowledge of the ways and will of God. Faith in Christ opens the door for us to receive all of these immense blessings.
This Christmas season, let’s give the gift of Jesus to as many as we can. As we do, let’s keep front-and-center in our hearts and minds the fact that Christ loves the most unlikely candidates. Let every heart prepare Him room!
Pastor Charles
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