Colossians 2:8 “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”
Cancel culture is a term which has been growing in popularity in recent months. Cancel culture refers to the popular practice of withdrawing support for (canceling) public figures and companies after they have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive, and trying to take away their public platform and power. Cancel culture is generally discussed as being performed on social and broadcast media in the form of group shaming. They are offended and cancel anyone who disagrees with their beliefs. I heard a statement the other day that when someone says that something said or done is offensive, they are actually saying that it is offense to them. That is true.
In Matthew 11:6 Jesus said, “And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.”
Noah Webster was a Christian. His 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines the word “offensive” as: Causing displeasure or some degree of anger; displeasing. All sin is offensive to God. Rude behavior is offensive to men. Disagreeable. This dictionary definition may even be offensive to some people. Why? Because the word “offensive” is subjective. Subjective, is when we are certain of the truth of something. Subjective is in ourminds. What may be offensive to you, may not be offensive to someone else. What is in the eye of the beholder and how does that determination get there? What determines our belief that something is offense or not is based upon what we are feeling, our desires based on our upbringing and teaching, our faith, our will and our basis of “right” and “wrong” that forms our character and develops our mindset and heart’s passion. Who determines what is “right” and what is “wrong”? Who determines what is “good” and what is “evil”? Who determines what is “light” and what is “darkness” of heart? Who determines what is “sweet” and what is “bitter”? Who determines what is “agreeable” and what is “offensive”?
We can say that it is us, but we know that is not correct. We have Civic lawmakers that determine what is legal for social peace and order in society. But, people cannot legislate morality of the mind. There is a counter-culture that will rebel and test the social norm and community standards for a myriad of reasons. People break laws that they disagree with, are offended by, or are ignorant of because of differing beliefs or opinions. There are consequences to civil disobedience and that is where the law enforcement and the judicial system comes in. Justice is getting what we rightly deserve. It would be chaos and lawlessness without Civil Law for order and justice.
Isaiah 5:20 “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”
The ultimate Lawgiver is our sovereign Creator God. Noah Webster’s definition states the universal truth that “All sin is offensive to God.” Webster defines the word “sin” as: the voluntary departure of a moral agent from a known rule of rectitude or duty, prescribed by God; any voluntary transgression of the divine law, or violation of a divine command; a wicked act; iniquity. Sin is either a positive act in which a known divine law is violated, or it is the voluntary neglect to obey a positive divine command, or a rule of duty clearly implied in such command. Sin comprehends not action only, but neglect of known duty, all evil thoughts purposes, words and desires, whatever is contrary to God's commands or law. The United States of America was founded on the principles of law and order for a nation based upon the commands, statutes, and Laws in the Word of God. When human Civil Law aligns with the Law of God, justice prevails. Like in society, people break Law of God when they disagree with, are offended by, or are ignorant of because of differing beliefs or opinions. There are consequences to unbelief and the associated disobedience in sin. It would be chaos and lawlessness without the Law of God because we live in a “fallen in sin” world. “Right” is that which is “right in the eyes of God”, and “wrong” is that which is “wrong in the eyes of God” as given in the Word of God.
Who is offended by a just and holy Creator God? The same people who offend their Almighty Maker…Sinners. And there is hell to pay as a consequence. Know that sin offends your heavenly Father, and be convicted in your heart of the bitter darkness and evil of offensive sin unto repentance. God offers mercy and grace for the forgiveness of sin and salvation in the redemptive sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ on the Cross to pay for your sins as a free gift. But, as any gift, it must be received…you have to want it with everything you have and take it in faith. But it is your choice to accept or reject.
The Law of God is real and doesn’t change or go away because sinners disagree and offended with its morality for their life. You cannot cancel God. The love of God is real. He desires no one to perish in their sin. God is counter-culture to sin and unbelief. God is cancel-culture to chaos and lawlessness. God is our providence of peace and order.
In Christ, Brian
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