NO KEEL?

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Over the years there have been many advances in sails, boat materials, and design changes making sailing more fun and accessible to the general public. One area remained largely neglected, however, because this boat component was not readily seen. This changed when the Aussies won the America's Cup a number of years ago, with their winged keel. Since then, a new appreciation has developed for this hidden but crucial component

For the past decade, we've been hearing a call to basic values from many quarters. During this time, the ethical integrity of Wall Street, our Banking system, as well as our political and religious leaders has been repeatedly questioned. This questioning has not been brought about by some philosophical examination. Instead, it has been the result of repeated moral failure from almost every quarter of public life.

In the face of our concern for moral failure and the need to reemphasize basic values, we need to be reminded of a foundational truth. Establishing values without a profound trust in Biblical authority and belief in a righteous God is as doomed as a sailboat without a keel. Basic values simply become the will of the majority if there is not a center of absolute truth. Truth is blown this way and that by the winds of public opinion. Morals are then determined by those who have the most influence over public perception and opinion.

Biblical authority and the belief in the righteous and Sovereign God, give values a keel -- something to stabilize us in the winds and waves of public opinion and moral uncertainty. Yes, we will still be influenced by those forces, but we will be able to effectively navigate our way through them to the our intended destination.

In your own spiritual pilgrimage to find true values on which to build your life, make sure they're tied to the keel of truth, or else you'll be lost in the winds of a fickle and turbulent world.

All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV & NRSV)

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