The fourth device used today is Minimalism, which is an unreasonable insistence on oversimplification—on reducing everything to monolithic (large) causes and linear (involving one dimension only) effects.
“Remember this, and show yourselves men; Recall to mind, O you transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of old, For I [am] God, and [there is] no other; [I am] God, and [there is] none like Me,” – Isaiah 46:8, 9 NKJV
The phrase “recall to mind” is an emphasis on the call to keep a mental focus on who God is and how our cognitive concentration must be renewed, because the idolatrous culture of the world continually erodes clarity. So many times God does not speak in broad generalities and oversimplification, but rather, He is very specific about what happened in Israel’s history and how His people were responsible for their specific actions (Jude 11).
In Jude 11 the Holy Spirit is very specific about the sins of Cain, Balaam’s error in rushing for profit, and Korah’s rebellion. God is not a modernist in regard to history ☺!
In a world of change, each generation thinks itself superior, forgetting the lessons and the facts of past history. The fact is that, although technology may change, God does not change and neither does human nature. We can never understand the present or the future without first believing and understanding God’s record of creation and world history.
The readers of Isaiah’s words are to recall, with accuracy and historical context, the past history of God’s fulfilled prophecies, miraculous deliverances, and providential blessings. All of these were ample evidence that He alone was God.
During the last week of High School, our oldest grandson (a senior at West Linn High School) came home and said, “Papa, my English teacher boldly bad-mouthed our founders… especially Thomas Jefferson. He said, “America is bad because our founders were not what we think they were.“
He went on to say with broad generalizations: “America does not do anything right in the world and as a result we are hated by the world!” The teacher especially ridiculed Thomas Jefferson, (without any original documentation to verify his accusations) about a variety of subjects such as his ownership of slaves, the assumption that he fathered a slave girl (Sally Hemings’ child) and that he was a racist.
One of the great challenges we as Christ followers have is taking the time to live out the biblical exhortation: “study to show ourselves approved to God, a workman that needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
I realize that we are all so busy and that is one reason why pastors and teachers are paid full-time to help in the effort to know the Word of God. However, we all must be self-learners and dig into the Scriptures and learn how to think after the Holy Spirit’s thoughts and then integrate God’s truth into the fabric of our conversations, and thus make an impact on our culture.
“But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one.” – 1 Corinthians 2:15 (AMPC)
Here is where we need information to confront, combat, and address the historical devices that wish to destroy America and Christianity.
This is what our kids are being fed and, for the most part, most Christian parents are oblivious to what is being taught!
When I spoke with our grandson about his English teacher, I first shared about the definition of Minimalism and what it meant. Without hesitation he understood what his English teacher was teaching. He experienced it first hand! I then shared a possible way he could go about addressing his teacher in the future. Perhaps saying things like this:
* From what I am hearing from you, you are a reconstructionalist. Is that correct?
* Will you entertain a couple questions I have for you? Name the 2 worst things about America. Name the 2 best things that America has done for the world.
* Have you checked and referenced original sources in regard to your statements about our Founders?
* If so would you share those with us? Would you put them into writing so that we can check out your sources for ourselves?
A little intentionality with the next generation can go a LONG way!
On Mission With You,
Dale
Dale@DaleEbel.Org