God’s people were about to enter a culture steeped in idolatry. Moses stood before the two million plus crowd and said, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess” (Deuteronomy 32:46–47 NIV).
Would God direct Moses to say something similar to us? We live in a culture steeped in idolatry too. Not that most people make and worship idols of stone or wood. No, Satan uses far more subtle tactics today. Some people worship idols such as money, power, fame. Others create idols in their minds—fantasy figures they bring to life by pretending to be the opposite sex through cross-dressing or life-altering surgeries.
Our culture has also usurped God’s authority as creator of gender and identity by setting up each individual as their own god. Culture has given each person the right to establish identity, gender, purpose, and reality according to their perception rather than objective reality. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary now defines gender identity as “a person’s internal sense of being male, female, some combination of male and female, or neither male nor female.”
That’s why it’s more important than ever to hold on to objective truth as revealed in Scripture.
Human beings didn’t create themselves. Genesis 1:27 is still the foundation of gender and identity: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” And Psalm 139:12 is still the foundation of any individual’s existence: “For you [God] created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
Any attempt to exalt a “person’s internal sense” of identity over the objective reality of God’s hand in their existence and biological fact is as idolatrous as setting up a marble statue and worshiping it. Both kinds of idolatry are unacceptable to God, and they will lead us farther and farther away from His plan and purpose for our lives.
The people who listened to Moses that day thousands of years ago had every intention of following the counsel he gave. When Joshua repeated that call to hold fast to God’s law years later, that generation said, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other Gods” (Johsua 24:16). And they meant it. But one generation later, God’s people were worshiping idols (Judges 2:10–13).
God’s Word is as vital to our lives now as it was to God’s people so long ago. If we want to enjoy the fullness of life God has designed for us (John 10:10), holding on to truth as revealed in Scripture is the foundation on which we must stand.
Reflection Questions:
In what ways can believers guard their hearts and remain faithful to God’s truth while living in a culture that increasingly defines identity and morality apart from Scripture?
Why is it important for Christians to build their understanding of identity, purpose, and truth on God’s Word rather than personal feelings, cultural trends, or societal acceptance?
Prayer:
Father God, help me hold on to the truth of my identity as a person uniquely designed in your image. Reveal to me any idols I’ve set up in my mind and heart that conflict with your plans
and purposes for me. Give me the desire to study your Word daily, so I can better understand your will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.