Those of us who’ve been around awhile have most likely seen the things the world offers us, and much of the time, it’s not pretty. Our parents did their best teaching us right from wrong and instilling a moral compass in us, but when we grew up we often saw the exact opposite. The confusion can come when we see the world giving the nod to attitudes and behaviors we’ve been taught all our lives are wrong. Without a strong faith in what we know in our heart is right, life can be discouraging.

The world’s morals and values are constantly changing, and basing our beliefs on them is like trying to walk on quicksand. Looking at marriage, personal relationships, gender identity, money, and everything else important to us, what was not okay yesterday is okay today, but may change again tomorrow. However, biblical teachings on faith as it relates to God’s eternal truths—something the world knows nothing about—can keep us on track. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Many people have a tendency to accept as real only what they can see and hear in the physical sense, disregarding anything that doesn’t fit into the world’s standards. But there’s more to reality than meets the eye. “Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]” (Hebrews 11:1, AMP). When we cling to the unchanging Word of God, our faith won’t be shaken. The truth is the truth, no matter what lens the world presents to us to view what’s going on around us.

Just because someone tells us something is true, no matter how authoritative they may seem, doesn’t make it true. Growing up, our parents probably had to remind us occasionally that just because everyone else does something doesn’t make it right. The world seems to have forgotten that, but God hasn’t. His Word doesn’t change. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines” (Hebrews 13:8, 9, NKJV).

What establishes itself uppermost in our minds is strongly influenced by what, or who, we focus our attention on. The devil is trying his hardest to get us to take our eyes off Jesus, and refocus on the turbulence going on all around us. He knows full well that if he can capture our attention, he can poison our thought process. We must resist what we know is wrong and sinful, no matter how much hostility this triggers from the world. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV).

Without faith in His Word, it can be hard to endure life when we see perversions all around us. But we know that Jesus will set everything right at the proper time. God is still God!