Our society strives to avoid any possibility of offending anyone

O children of the future, listen closely to the words of Billy Graham, a man who witnessed the changing tides of a world torn between progress and truth. He said: "Our society strives to avoid any possibility of offending anyone - except God." These words strike at the heart of a moral truth that has echoed through the ages—a truth that speaks of a society that, in its desire to maintain peace and comfort, has lost sight of what it means to stand firm in the face of righteousness. We have come to live in a world where the fear of offending others, of disrupting the status quo, has taken precedence over honoring the divine and the eternal truths that once guided humanity.

In the days of the ancients, great societies such as Greece and Rome were built on a foundation of order and virtue. The philosophers understood that the gods—or the divine forces that governed the universe—held the highest place of reverence. Socrates, though he lived in a society that often disagreed with his teachings, did not hesitate to challenge the status quo, for he held himself accountable to a higher truth. To challenge the divine, or to live in a way that dishonored it, was to invite chaos. In these ancient cultures, to offend the gods was to threaten the very balance of society, for it was the gods who were the ultimate source of order.

Yet, in our own age, Billy Graham’s words call us to see that while we tread carefully around the feelings and sensibilities of man, we often forget the divine. We are so concerned with not offending the individual—with walking on eggshells to avoid the hurt feelings of our peers—that we lose sight of the greater truth that calls us to stand for virtue and righteousness above all. Our society, in its pursuit of tolerance and acceptance, has inadvertently lost the courage to stand firm in the face of divine law, and has allowed political correctness to overshadow what is morally right.

Consider the great King David of Israel, who in his strength and wisdom, ruled with an unwavering faith in the God he served. David, though imperfect, understood the importance of honoring God, even when faced with the pressures and temptations of power. He danced before the Ark of the Covenant with humility, not concerned with the opinions of others but solely with the glory of God. When he sinned, he did not seek to cover his actions with excuses, but repented with a broken heart before the Lord. In his life, we see a courageous leader who feared offending God more than offending men. His relationship with God was the compass that guided his actions, and in doing so, he fulfilled his purpose as a king.

In contrast, we live in an age where to speak the truth, particularly truths about the divine, can invite ridicule and scorn. The fear of offending others has led many to avoid addressing moral issues with the strength and clarity needed. How many of us, in the face of societal pressure, have avoided speaking about what is just, what is righteous, or what is sacred, in the name of avoiding offense? How many have shied away from standing for faith and truth because of the fear that it might upset the comfort of others?

The lesson Billy Graham imparts is one of balance and courage. We must strive to respect the dignity of others, to love our neighbors, and to avoid causing unnecessary offense. Yet, at the same time, we must never compromise our faith or our moral convictions. We must never allow the fear of discomfort to keep us from standing firm in God's truth, for it is God and His laws that hold ultimate authority over our lives, not the fleeting opinions of men. It is not wrong to seek peace and understanding in society, but it is paramount to remember that God is the foundation of that peace, and His truth must remain our guide.

As you walk through this world, O children, let the fear of offending God be a greater influence in your life than the fear of offending the people around you. Speak the truth with courage, hold fast to righteousness, and let your actions reflect the honor you give to God above all else. When society pressures you to conform, remember that it is the divine law that truly guides the path of justice, not the ever-changing tides of human sentiment. Stand strong in the face of opposition, and let the wisdom of the ancients and the faith of those who walked before us guide your steps. For in honoring God, you will not only find your place in the world, but you will help restore honor to a society that has forgotten what it means to live by truth.