We live in a world that feels more divided than ever. Chaos seems to be knocking on our doors every day, and sometimes it feels like the very fabric holding society together is unraveling. Have you ever asked yourself why things feel so out of control? Could it be that something deeper is happening—a drifting away from the moral standards that have guided humanity for centuries?

As belief in God declines, so too does the foundation for objective morality. When we take God out of the picture, we’re left asking, “Who gets to decide what’s right and wrong?” The answer becomes fuzzy because, without a higher authority, anything becomes permissible.

A Culture of Secularism and Self-Worship

Look around, and you’ll notice a growing trend in our culture—one that encourages us to look inward rather than upward. Secular ideologies are teaching people to believe that they are enough, that they can manifest their own destiny, and that everything they need is already inside of them. It’s the essence of the New Age movement, which tells us to rely on ourselves, to “be our own god.” Even Oprah famously said that we are each responsible for manifesting our own destiny—essentially encouraging self-worship.

On the surface, this sounds empowering, right? Who wouldn’t want to believe that they can control their own fate? But what happens when we fall short? When life throws us curveballs that we can’t handle on our own? The truth is, we aren’t enough. We can’t fix everything or know everything. And when we elevate ourselves to god-like status, we miss out on the true peace and purpose that only God can provide.

The Decline of Faith and the Rise of Confusion

We’re seeing a significant drop in religious belief across the Western world. Churches that once bustled with activity are now half-empty, and more and more people are identifying as atheists or agnostics. Some even go as far as to view religion as outdated, or worse, harmful. As a result, God’s moral laws are being pushed aside, seen as irrelevant or too restrictive for modern life.

But here’s the thing: when we take God out of the equation, what do we replace Him with? If we no longer look to God for moral guidance, what becomes our compass? Is it human intellect? Popular opinion? Social trends?

This isn’t just a philosophical question—it’s a real problem we’re facing today. Secular ideologies, like moral relativism, tell us that there’s no such thing as absolute truth. They say, “Do whatever feels right to you.” But without a universal standard, how can we be sure what’s truly right or wrong? Colossians 1:16-17 reminds us:
“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

Jesus didn’t just create the world—He holds it together. Without Him, things fall apart, including our moral framework. When we push God out, we create confusion, where everyone is living by their own rules.

The Problem with “Be Your Own God”

The New Age movement, which tells people to look within for answers and manifest their own reality, is growing. People are taught to “trust their inner voice” or “manifest their best life” without the need for God. But where does that leave us when we face real struggles? When the bills pile up, when relationships crumble, or when we’re faced with the loss of a loved one—how do we cope when we realize we aren’t in control after all?

The truth is, self-worship leaves us empty. No matter how much we try to manifest a better reality, we are still broken, imperfect beings in need of a Savior. God never designed us to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. He is the creator, and He alone is capable of sustaining us through life’s challenges. When we try to “be our own god,” we miss out on the peace, love, and guidance that only God can give.

Moral Relativism: The Danger of “Your Truth”

Another idea gaining popularity is moral relativism—the belief that truth is subjective and that everyone should do whatever feels right to them. We see this in phrases like “live your truth,” implying that there is no one standard of truth. But let’s think about this for a second. If everyone has their own version of the truth, how do we decide what’s right or wrong?

For instance, one person might believe that stealing is wrong, but another might justify it if they feel it’s necessary. Who’s right? Without an objective moral standard, we’re left to our own interpretations, which can lead to chaos. This is exactly what we’re seeing today: rising crime rates, broken relationships, and a general sense of confusion about what’s acceptable.

Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Christ “sustains all things by His powerful word.” He is the one who holds creation—and morality—together. Without His truth, society unravels.

Why Morality Needs God

Morality cannot exist without God because, without Him, there is no absolute standard. Without God, morality becomes nothing more than opinion. What’s “right” in one culture or for one person may be completely different for another. But God’s laws are not arbitrary—they’re rooted in His nature and provide a stable foundation for how we should live.

Think about the Ten Commandments or Jesus’ teachings on love, kindness, and forgiveness. These aren’t just religious rules; they’re blueprints for a thriving, compassionate, and just society. They’re meant to guide us toward lives of purpose and connection—not just with God but with each other.

When we follow God’s moral laws, we experience freedom—not the freedom to do whatever we want, but the freedom that comes from knowing we’re living in harmony with the One who created us.

A World Without God’s Moral Law

So, what happens when we reject God’s laws and embrace moral relativism? We see the consequences all around us:

1. Confusion about right and wrong: When everyone is encouraged to live by their own truth, it leads to confusion. What was once seen as evil is now accepted, and what was once good is questioned.
2. Selfishness: If truth is subjective, then people tend to prioritize their desires over the common good. We see this in a “me-first” attitude, where personal satisfaction is often placed above compassion and community.
3. Social decay: As secularism grows, the very institutions that hold society together—like family, law, and education—begin to crumble. Divorce rates soar, addiction increases, and crime becomes rampant as people lose their sense of responsibility to a higher moral code.
4. Hopelessness: Without a connection to God, many people fall into despair. Mental health crises, substance abuse, and rising suicide rates all point to the emptiness that comes when we place our faith in ourselves rather than in our Creator.

Finding True Purpose in God’s Law

At the end of the day, we all want purpose. We all want a sense of meaning in our lives. But that can’t come from self-reliance or secularism. True purpose comes from aligning our lives with God’s truth, allowing Him to guide us through the chaos of the world.

God’s moral law is not restrictive—it’s freeing. It gives us clarity, direction, and peace. And in a world where confusion and chaos seem to reign, the truth of Christ stands firm, offering us hope and stability.

As Colossians 1:17 reminds us: “In Him all things hold together.” When we center our lives on God, we discover that He not only created us but continues to sustain us. It’s time to return to that truth, to let God’s moral law be our guide, and to remember that in Him, we find everything we’ve been searching for.