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An Immoral Society

In recent years there has been a casting aside of almost every moral standard. The only laws which exist seek to curtail infringements of the rights of man! God is set aside and the Bible is looked upon as outmoded and the invention of fantasy. Those who take its words seriously are viewed as naive. This approach has led to the acceptance of fornication and adultery as normal social behaviour, and to the legalizing of sodomy. The gross perversions of the unenlightened Roman world have re-emerged and benighted the Christian era, hastening its destruction (Rom. 1:24-32).

The wake of such a torrent of licentiousness leaves very real hazards for those striving to fashion their lives after the pattern of Christ. It is important to avoid the numerous worldly influences which parade and shamelessly advocate these ungodly practices. Books, films, television programmes, and modern "pop" songs are often slanted so as to arouse unlawful passions. They will be studiously avoided by those who are sincere in their endeavours to "bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5). Only the unwise will allow their thoughts to indulge in such evil, forgetting that Christ is everywhere present and "searches mind and heart" (Rev. 2:23 R.S.V.). We must shun these evils.

"But immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is fitting among saints" (Eph. 5:3 R.S.V.).

Thoughts lead to actions, so we should be very circumspect about what we permit our eyes to see and our ears to behold. Paul considered even the mentioning of the immoral ways of the world defiling, and so forbade it among saints (Eph. 5:12). There is a lesson here for us. We should avoid any occasion or influence which might contaminate our minds. Let our thoughts instead revolve around God, His Son, His purpose, our brethren, and the work and needs of the ecclesia. Thereby our minds will be filled with good and no room will be left for the evil.

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; IF THERE BE ANY VIRTUE, AND IF THERE BE ANY PRAISE, THINK ON THESE THINGS" (Phil. 4:8).

Herein we have the prescription for success; good thoughts lead to good deeds.

SOUND DOCTRINE