In a culture dedicated to rebranding everything, defending our foundational principles can seem like heresy. Traditional values are being replaced with new meanings. “Normal” is whatever is current, “conservative” is reactionary, “progress” is creating new standards, and “tolerance” is accepting what others say. But Scripture commands us to endure.
“For the plans of the Lord are enduring plans; the thoughts of his heart are plans for many generations.” (Psalm 33:11)
I believe in traditional values because they are biblical principles, not just cultural trends. They have served us well for generations, providing stability, dignity, and clarity. I also increasingly believe that the modern political left has lost its way — not because it seeks justice, but because it has rejected truth.
Traditional Values Are God’s Design, Not Human Invention
Family, responsibility, moral boundaries, and order are not social constructs made up by conservatives. They are God’s design. (Proverbs 8:22-29; Isaiah 44:24-28)
“God created man in his own image… male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
“Children are a gift from the Lord; offspring are a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3)
Scripture shows marriage, family, and responsibility as blessings, not burdens. Traditional values defend the most vulnerable, shape identity, and create a foundation for human thriving. When society views these as optional or oppressive, confusion replaces clarity.
The Bible warns against this reversal.
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness.” (Isaiah 5:20)
The Left Replaced Reason With Ideology
One of the most worrying trends on today’s left is the rejection of open debate. Disagreement is no longer addressed with counterarguments; instead, people are labeled. Questioning progressive ideas can lead to being called hateful, ignorant, or dangerous. This isn’t confidence in ideas; it’s a sign of ideological insecurity.
Scripture warns about this kind of thinking—when emotion and preference replace reason and truth.
“The one who gives an answer before he listens—this is foolishness and disgrace for him.” (Proverbs 18:13)
Free speech, once a core value of liberal thought, is now defended selectively. Science is trusted only when it aligns with political goals. Equity has replaced equality, outcomes have replaced effort, and feelings have overtaken facts.
Yet God calls His people to reason grounded in truth.
“Come, let us settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are scarlet, they will be as white as snow.” (Isaiah 1:18)
When a movement demands conformity rather than conversation, it ceases to be a movement of progress and becomes one of control. The Bible clearly shows this.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)
Victimhood Has Replaced Responsibility
Traditional values encourage people to rise, persevere, and take responsibility for their lives—even during difficult times. Scripture consistently emphasizes that responsibility is a virtue, not a burden.
“Each person should carry his own load.” (Galatians 6:5)
The modern left increasingly teaches people to identify first as victims and to assign blame externally. This mindset does not empower; it weakens.
God’s Word takes a different approach.
“If anyone is not willing to work, he should not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
A culture that rewards grievance will always generate more grievance. A society that tells people they are defined by oppression instead of potential robs them of agency and hope.
Responsibility is not cruel. It is dignifying. It says, “You matter enough to be accountable.”
Scripture affirms this dignity.
“Whatever a person sows he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)
When responsibility is removed, chaos fills the vacuum.
“Everyone did whatever seemed right to him.” (Judges 21:25)
Moral Absolutes Are Necessary for a Healthy Society
Traditional values recognize that some things are right and some things are wrong—regardless of public opinion. This is not rigidity; it is moral clarity.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10)
The left’s moral framework, by contrast, constantly shifts. What is praised today might be condemned tomorrow. Language evolves weekly. Standards are applied inconsistently.
Scripture warns against moral instability.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
This moral instability breeds confusion, fear, and hypocrisy.
A society cannot function without shared standards.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)
When everything is negotiable, nothing is trustworthy. When truth is flexible, power decides reality.
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
This Is Not About Hate—It Is About Preservation
Standing for traditional values isn’t about hating others. It’s about preserving what works. It’s about safeguarding the structures that protect children, sustain communities, and give life meaning beyond self-gratification.
Scripture commands both truth and love.
“Speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)
Disagreement is not violence. Conviction is not bigotry. Believing in truth is not intolerance.
“Am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people?” (Galatians 1:10)
The left has not lost credibility because it cares too much—it’s because it no longer knows what it stands for. When values are detached from reality, they fall apart due to their own contradictions.
“Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)
A Return to Sanity
I believe in traditional values because they are grounded in reality, proven over time, and confirmed by results. They don’t promise perfection—but they provide stability, purpose, and hope.
“Jesus Christ is the cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20)
The future doesn’t belong to those who shout the loudest or cancel the fastest. It belongs to those willing to stand firm when the culture shifts, to speak truth when it’s unpopular, and to preserve what is good even when it’s ridiculed.
“Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)
Progress does not require abandoning our foundations.
Sometimes, the most radical thing you can do is stand on solid ground.
“Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)
Thoughts from Pastor Toney 