Definitions

We are living in an age where lies are becoming more and more synonymous with truth, a generation in which error is progressively being widely accepted as the societal norm. In such a perilous time as this, the only way we can keep from error and deception, and remain in God’s will is by holding on to God’s definition for everything.

The scriptures make us understand that “Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them (2 Tim 3:13-14). Take heed to yourself, and to the doctrine. Continue in them: for in doing this you will save both yourself, and those who hear you.” (1Ti 4:16) 

Holding on to God’s definition is crucial because the source of our definition of concepts will inadvertently control our lives since definitions influence our perceptions and notions which dictate our actions and ultimately shape our lives. It is absolutely expedient for us to define things the way God defines them, seeing things with His eyes through His infallible word and not with the conceptions and definitions of the world. 

The definitions of the world will keep changing, but God’s definitions remain the same because He never changes, He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). An instance of this is the definition of marriage, which has been defined since the beginning in Eden, as the legal union of a man and woman to live as husband and wife, but now, in our present day, has been changed. Several dictionaries have changed the original definition of marriage to “the legal union or contract made by two people to live together”, yet God’s word stands sure, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”(Gen 2:24). Another example of this is the radical change in women’s dressing over the years. Gone are the days when it was the societal norm for women to dress decently; now, the definition of acceptable dressing is for women to reveal parts of their thighs and breasts. 

My friends, no matter how advanced and sophisticated our age gets, God’s words are the only words that will ever remain true; every other thing is a lie that originates from the devil, the Father of lies. “The devil was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44) 

Furthermore, our definitions of such words like evil, darkness, iniquity, lie etc. will undoubtedly influence our perception of what is wrong and what is right. From the bible, we understand that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). It is the absence of Light (i.e. God) that is the meaning of darkness. We also understand that God is good, and anything that is not of God, is not good, which is the meaning of evil. “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” (3 John 1:11). Any working that is not of God and the Spirit of God in us even if it looks okay or popular is iniquity and evil in the sight of God.

The fact that you got a cool idea to start up a new church, write an inspirational book or start a business doesn’t mean it’s a God (good) idea, God sees when you are driven by materialism and pride which is evil in His sight. Even if the idea is working and blossoming, and you are getting results, it doesn't necessarily mean God is pleased with it. You see, water gushed out when Moses struck the rock back in the day yet God was upset with him. 

The world would define a philanthropist, who is so nice, as a good man, even though he doesn’t believe in God and does what he feels and lives in sin. However, God sees it differently. He regards anyone who rebels against His lordship as wicked. In God’s dictionary, wickedness is not necessarily something brutal and really sinister or unmerciful. Wickedness is anything that is outside the will of God, like the Tower of Babel. Mal. 3:18 says “then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him” and “so it will be at the end of the age: the angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire.” (Matt. 13:49-50) 

In conclusion, let us prove all things and persistently hold fast to that which is good (1Thess. 5:21) and like David professed, “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105); let us hold on to God’s word as the standard to form our notions, to guide our thinking, to guide our actions and to keep our feet in the path of righteousness and in the way of Holiness in such a perilous time as this.