Even the Communists
Appreciate Godly Living!
by Ken Gardner

It seems the leaders of the nation of China are unhappy about the moral decline in their country. According to a recent article in Newsweek, entitled "China's New Family Values" (August 24, 1998), the Chinese government is concerned about the high divorce rate and "rampant infidelity." "One recent survey showed that 68 percent of university students think premarital sex is 'morally okay.'" On college campuses, cohabitation is common. "Brothels disguised as karaoke bars, massage parlors or beauty salons" can be found throughout China.

Government leaders are so concerned that "Chinese lawmakers are set to approve a new morality code." Under the new law, (1) adultery would be illegal ("possibly punishable by forced labor"); (2) divorce would be "strictly regulated" ("no fault would be a thing of the past, only desertion, adultery and the like would apply"); and (3) engaged couples would be required to wait weeks or months to be married (homosexuals and anyone with AIDS or STDs would not be permitted to marry).

Ironic, isn't it? We, as Christians, committed to New Testament principles of morality, obedience, repentance, and godly living, often feel we are fighting a losing battle in our free country as we encourage fidelity in marriage, denounce divorce, condemn adultery and fornication, and despise the abominable sin of homosexuality. Now government leaders in a communist country are beginning to espouse some of the same values we have long held, fervently preached and devotedly practiced. Would that leaders and citizens of countries the world over would come to know and appreciate and practice biblical standards of morality!

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34).

"The way of the transgressor" is indeed "hard" (Proverbs 13:15).

"The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men" (Romans 1:18).

"The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:11-12).

"But fornication and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints. . . . For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom. . . . walk as children of light. . . . and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret" (Ephesians 5:3-12).

"We beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. . . . For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication, that everyone of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor" (I Thessalonians 4:1-4).

"There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief" (Proverbs 12:21).

"By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life" (Proverbs 22:4).