by J. Randal Matheny

"Cursed is the man who carves an image or casts an idol -- a thing detestable to the Lord, the work of the craftsman's hands -- and sets it up in secret" (Deuteronomy 27:15a NIV).

When the societal climate disapproves, the sinner practices his wrongdoing in secret. As the general attitude loosens, the sinner becomes braver and dares to make his sin public because he knows he can find acceptance and support.

So the homosexual comes "out of the closet," as gay activists put it.

The adulterer assumes leadership positions in the church.

The scholar says all churches are pretty much the same, just historical manifestations of human efforts.

The preacher says all those good people who claim Jesus as Savior are saved.

The elders say the use of instruments of music as worship is no big deal, and people are free to use them (except maybe not on Sundays).

The verse quoted above was the first of a series of curses which Moses commanded the people to pronounce on Mount Ebal. After each curse all the people were to shout "Amen!" (see Deut. 27:14-26). Moses was establishing what God's people would not -- should not -- tolerate in their midst.

Maybe, just maybe, we need to brush off that list of curses and decide what it is in the church of God that we, by Scriptural light, will not tolerate. Before the water gets so tepid that anybody can jump in and do as they please.

The secrets are coming out. Will they become the standard? Or will we say amen to God's curses on those who snub their noses at his law in order that his will may prevail in our midst?

"Cursed is the man who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out. Then all the people shall say, 'Amen!'"