There is a cancer epidemic spreading around the world. This cancer is not the kind an oncologist can treat. No amount of radiation or poisonous chemotherapy will stop it.

What is this cancer you ask? It is the cancer of moral relativism. Moral relativism has been spreading around the world for hundreds of years. It spread like wildfire throughout Europe during the Enlightenment Era of the 1600 and 1700’s, crossed the pond, and came to America where by the 1800 and 1900’s it was known as ‘Modernism.’

Regardless of the era or the philosophical name, the idea was to focus more on man becoming the source of knowledge to guide behavior in society. For that to happen, God had to take a back seat. That is when the cancer of moral relativism reared its ugly head.

God, through His Word, set the standard for morality. For man to establish a moral standard, he had to reject God’s standard. The trouble with man’s standard of morality is that different people, from different cultures, have different cultural norms, and they all think they are right. The moral relativist says no one standard of morality is right for all people, at all times, and in all places.

[shareable cite=”Ron R. Kelleher”]For man to establish his own moral standard, he has to reject God’s standard. [/shareable]

The impact of moral relativism is easily seen among our political leaders. For many, their primary objective is to keep their jobs by being re-elected. They will do or say anything to broaden their appeal to their constituents.

That’s why a legislative leader who was against abortion a few years ago has suddenly had his/her position ‘evolve’ to now be accepting of abortion under the guise of being ‘tolerant.’  God’s standard of morality was cast aside to make room for the moral standard of some activists.

The exact same thing is happening with the recent U.S. Supreme Court opinion in support of homosexual marriage. God’s standard of morality was cast aside to make room for the moral standard of some activists.

Lest you think that moral relativism affects only our political leaders take a look at the business world.  In the last few years, quite a few big companies have been in the news as a result of moral relativism: Enron, Tyco, WorldCom, ImClone, Global Crossing, Adelphia, AOL Time Warner, Quest, and Charter Communications to name just a few. These executives all thought their actions were morally justified.

That’s what happens when God’s standard of morality is replaced by man’s standard.

What Can Christian Leaders Do?

There is good news. There is one cure, and one cure only for the cancer of moral relativism and that is to return to God’s standard of morality. Christian leaders, millions of us around the world, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can stop the spread of moral relativism.

• We must stand firm in our faith. Paul writes that we must be united in our faith with the fullness of Christ, and that then we will, “no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:12-14).
• We must be a light unto the world. Jesus said our lives must be like a light that brightens a whole room, “in the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
• We must be prepared for ridicule. Jesus warned the disciples that their message would bring derision, hatred, and persecution, “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:21-23).

Join the Conversation

As always questions and comments are welcome. Has moral relativism impacted you in your business? If so, in what way?

Category: Personal Development | Obedience to God