Recently, NBC begun airing a new television show called, “The New Normal.” The premise of this show is that a homosexual couple (2 men) decide that they want a child, so they enlist the help of a surrogate mother. I have not watched an episode of this show, nor do I intend to. In times past I have expressed what the Bible teaches about the subject of homosexuality and same-sex marriage.
In summary the Bible is strongly opposed to such, and unless those involved repent, the “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Cor. 6:9-11) But I want to point your attention to a specific passage: Romans 1:26-27 says, “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.”
Notice how Paul describes homosexual conduct as “against nature” which means that it is NOT normal. But what has my attention is not merely the gross immorality our networks continue to spew at the public to see how far they can go, but the name of this show – “The New Normal.” Really? Is this this type of ungodly behavior the new normal?
That is something for us to think about! It is clear that this name is intended to tell us that such perverted lifestyles are “the new normal” and as such we ought to accept it. And as we look at the attitude of our society toward ungodly lifestyles (and even increased denial or doubt of the existence of God) I am fearful that the networks may be right. More and more people are being convinced that such lifestyles, and others, are just not a big deal and need to be accepted. Even our federal and state governments are stepping in and passing legislation that is going to make it more difficult (perhaps illegal) to openly condemn such ungodly behavior and reject it in our churches.
Without getting overly political, my biggest concern is not any specific issue (though I am bothered by the ungodly and unscriptural stand of many) but the threats to our religious freedom to pronounce what the Bible teaches. When exposing false religions and doctrines is labeled intolerance (by individuals, groups and even in official government statements), brethren THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT US!
And they are bringing upon themselves judgment. Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.” Prov. 17:15 says, “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them are an abomination to the Lord.” Malachi condemned post-exilic Israel saying, “You have wearied the Lord with your words; Yet you say, ‘In what way have we wearied Him?’ In that you say, ‘Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delights in them’ Or ‘Where is the God of justice?’” (Mal. 2:17) Should an increasingly corrupt world surprise us? Absolutely not!
Paul warned Timothy that in the last days, “perilous times will come.” (2 Tim. 3:1-5) In vs. 13 he says, “But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” It is no secret that we are living in a “crooked and perverse generation” (Phil. 2:14-16). And the world even admits that they have changed. Think about it – when they say, “the new normal,” are they admitting that what they are now proposing used to be considered abnormal or at least not as prevalent?
Peter warned us to remain faithful and challenged us to live above the world. He said, “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles – when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. THEY WILL give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” (1 Pet. 4:3-5).
Perhaps what is being advocated IS “the new normal”, but where does that put us as Christians? If IT is, that doesn’t change what God’s word says. And as such, we must continue to obey God’s will instead up what man thinks is right. When Peter and the apostles were being threatened for preaching Jesus in a predominantly Jewish community they responded, “We ought to obey God rather than men. ”(Acts 5:29) In Joshua’s farewell address, he challenged the people to make a choice as to whom they would serve – God or the idols around them.
Then he said, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) When we stand before God we will give an accounting for our lives (Rom. 14:12, 2 Cor. 5:9-10. 1 Pet. 1:17). And whether or not we have submitted to His
will will have an impact on our eternal destiny (cf. Matt. 25:31-46, etc). Therefore we better ensure that what we do is what God determines for us to do rather than man, even if “times have changed.” God doesn’t change (cf. Heb. 13:8 – of Jesus; James 1:17)! While we live in the world, we must live above the standard of the world serving God. In Phil. 2:14-16 we are warned to not be like them and instead to “shine as lights”. And in 2 Tim. 3:5 we are told, “And from such people turn away.” In 2 Cor. 6:14 we are told, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers…” This is followed by the challenge to “come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do
not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” (vs. 17)
So while the world may call something “the new normal” that must not be our standard. Instead, let us resolve to stay with the old paths that God paved centuries ago. The path of the wicked will lead to eternal destruction. (Prov. 14:12) Jesus Himself warned us, “Enter by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matt. 7:13-14). Thomas A Thornhill Jr.