Barna and Evangelism by Suzanne Hadley on 11/01/2006 at 11:25 AM

I sighed when I read the statistics posted by Steve from the recent Barna study. They explain much of the frustration I've encountered in evangelism. At one time it was effective to ask someone, "Have you broken any of the 10 commandments?" Most would have to admit that they had. While this approach may still work in some circles, the response I more frequently get is: "Yeah. So what? Who says the 10 commandments are the standard anyway?"

I would argue God does. But with eyes fixed on a worldly system so far from biblical truth — and exposed to Christians who don't even agree — those without Christ have a hard time understanding an objective moral standard. The truth I'm attempting to share seems both alien and outdated. As the Barna research shows, even born again believers are allowing for loose (new) interpretation of biblical commands.

This trend is discouraging. However, the rampant confusion regarding truth is not unique to my life and times. Speaking to the Galatians, Paul wrote:

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel — which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! (Gal. 1:6-8)

Confusion is one of the enemy's favorite tools. If he can distract us with what appears to be good, we will fail to recognize what is truly good. In light of the decline of Judeo-Christian values in American culture, how should believers respond? Giving up is clearly not an option. We are still the salt and light until Christ returns. This truth remains regardless of whether or not we appear to be successful. Paul's parting words to the Galatians are as appropriate today as they were in the first century:

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Gal. 6:7-8)