The Difference Begins in You

Many of you may be familiar with George Barna, a cultural researcher who has spent decades examining Biblical worldviews and the direction of religion in the United States. His latest research (October 2023) reveals what he calls “alarming statistics” on the part of Christian parents overall. Statistics show just 2% of American parents of preteens have a biblical worldview. He goes on to point out the number of discipled young people has been dropping precipitously in America over the last 40 years, and many people today have traded gospel living for a paradigm under which they can simply be a good person, whatever they use to define what good is. He also pointed out this is something two thirds of Americans have come to believe. “He added. “We’ve sanded the edges off Christian truth to make it more palatable and more comfortable.” (www.faithwire.com/2023/10/06/christian-worldview-crisis-dr-george-barna-reveals-disturbing-reality-behind-shocking-faith-stats/)

For me, the question is how many people are there, who have invented a worldview that allows them to live however they desire, which is a mirror image of the world such a view has created? It’s a land of make believe, that promises everything but delivers nothing. It is destructive for society as a whole, and individuals specifically. Based on a sinful philosophy of life, it deceives and hardens one’s heart (Heb. 3:13), making one oblivious to the truth. As Paul would remind Timothy, people are “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:4-5). What a destructive course to set for oneself and loved ones!

What society ignores is that we are created in the image of God, and only by conforming to that image will we find His blessings for us, for life today and more importantly, life eternal. Children need godly parents, whose worldview is based on the will of God. They need to obey them, as parents, especially fathers, seek to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:1-4). Solomon understood this principle as well; “My son, comply with the commandment of your father, and do not ignore the teaching of your mother” (Prov. 6:20). Parents should understand the will of God and seek to live by it, that their children can do the same. Without such a standard for life, we see society bent on destruction, without direction or a pattern on how to live. The Biblical admonition for children is based on parents who know God and live in reverence to Him and His will. “Children, obey your parents, in everything, for this pleases the Lord” (Col. 3:20).

Does it matter what parents believe about God and His word? Absolutely! Without the truth, sin runs amok, bringing adversity today and destruction eternally. The future holds the seed of its own destruction if God isn’t given His rightful place of authority. Will we take a stand for truth today, to be seen and heard by others? Without it, what will happen to society? Perhaps it will simply repeat what was witnessed in the past. “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5). It’s time to reestablish Christ as Lord in our hearts and minds, and make sure the next generation knows the truth that can set them free (John 8:31-32). Will those who claim to be children of God accept this challenge? Will we seek to make a difference before it is too late? Start with you and your home. Let others see your light shine (Matt. 5:16). You will be amazed at the difference it can make for you and those you love.


μαράνα θᾶ (1 Cor. 16:22)

Robert