The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this column are those of Michael Goings, the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of The Dillon Herald. He is solely responsible for the content of this article.

Whether you can admit it or not, we are living in an age of craziness, corruption, and disorder. We did not arrive at this state of craziness immediately. However, just as streams run into rivers and rivers into seas, our morality and sanity as a culture have declined by degrees. We have been sliding backwards for many decades now. We have lost our ability to clearly see where we are headed because our moral compass has been damaged, and our collective conscience no longer convicts us when we are wrong. In this state, we have abandoned absolutes, truths, and virtues that made America great and the envy of the world. In their place, we have substituted vices, venomous emotions, and a general belief that if it seems right to us and in line with our standards, go for it. The following are but a few suggestions I believe will help you to maintain your sanity and serenity in this culture of madness.

Dare To Go Against the Grain of Cultural Norms
In this age of craziness when things that were once embraced and believed as absolutes and the standard of moral truths and practices have been abandoned. Anyone who desires to maintain their sanity, soundness, and serenity must be courageous enough to go against the grain of cultural norms and practices. This principle and practice are easily said but challenging and difficult to do. This is especially the case when it comes to things like abortion, the LGBTQ lifestyle, and quite a few other hotly contested issues of our time. These things that not so many decades ago were classified by the consensus of the culture as either deviant or alternative lifestyles have fought their way into the acceptance of the population. If polls are an indication of how the masses feel, people like me and perhaps many of you are vastly outnumbered in our embrace and beliefs of the absolute virtues and values of the Bible that we believe will justify us in the end. So, until then, we shall continue to go against the grain of a culture that is becoming increasingly insane.

Don’t Be Discouraged When You Are Criticized or Villainized for Your Stance and Beliefs
If anyone is going to be able to remain sane, sound, and serene in this age of madness (when beliefs and practices that were once foundational to our culture and country are becoming obsolete and displaced by radical humanistic and anti-Judeo-Christian beliefs and practices), they must be willing to be targeted and severely criticized for their convictions and stance. This saying that was popularized by President Harry Truman in the late 40’s and early 50’s, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen,” must be embraced by anyone who is willing to go against the grain of ultra-liberalism and contemporary beliefs and practices that are contrary to the old ways. Your convictions and stance have placed you on the firing line.

Do Not Get Infected
with Lotitus
And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conduct of the wicked. (2 Peter 2:7)
Despite having some reluctance and reservation about using the previous Bible verse due to not wanting to sermonize this article, I finally decided to use it because it captures and conveys the essence of my subject today. The term “Lotitus” is derived from the biblical character, Lot, in the Scriptures who was the nephew of Abraham. His living in an environment and culture of wickedness and immoral practices greatly vexed him and his family. He is typical of so many people in our culture today who have been adversely affected and infected. Make every effort you can to not be influenced by the majority who adhere and comply to the immoral and depraved beliefs and practices of this perverse and crooked generation. Do not contract or get infected by Lotitus.

Absolute Truths and a Pure Conscience
My final consideration and emphasis are based upon how important it is for you who wish to truly avoid being affected or influenced by the craziness that characterizes this culture. There are quite a few disciplines that will help you to achieve that goal. However, in that I lack the space to include them all, I will present to you two of the most important and practical ones. First, make sure that you remain true as a believer and adherent of absolute truths. These are truths established by God to govern a people or culture in every area of life. Since it was He who made us, His Word and ways are infallible, inerrant, and absolute. Finally, we must strive to live before Him and our fellow man with a pure conscience and not allow it to be seared and damaged by continually violating it when we know we are wrong. After all, our consciences are the moral compasses of our lives that let us know when we are right and when we are wrong.