Did you play soccer as a kid? That sport can be a ton of fun, but if you played for any length of time you learned how serious the game could become, especially during play-offs.

I’ll never forget watching a wayward goal during the 1994 World Cup match in the Rosebowl. Spellbound, my family watched as Andres Escobar of Colombia tried to clear the ball away from the U.S. team before they could score. Despite Escobar’s good intentions, his outstretched leg inadvertently directed the ball into the American net. As a result, the U.S. won 2-1.

Having recently heard about the violence in Medellin Colombia, I wondered what might happen to Escobar when the team returned home. Although the players started receiving death threats, Escobar made light of the danger. Yet within weeks, he was murdered.

Whether we realize it or not, the wrong goal can have devastating consequences. Our aim matters. Listening to misguided voices, like those cheering Escobar on, may put the future at risk. Through all forms of media, our culture shouts foolish advice that usually has disastrous results: “Be sexy.” “Your looks determine your value.” “Money buys happiness.” “If truth gets in your way, cancel it.”

Ignoring truth about the value of people from conception to the grave leads to great injustice. “If a baby isn’t wanted, get rid of it.” “If a child is inconvenient, neglect her.” “If a person’s homeless or on drugs, avoid him.” “If the elderly need help, someone else can do it.”

Biblical truths provide the basis for justice. Genesis 1:27 says “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” That alone instills integral worth in every human being. Without this foundational value for life, everyone decides for themselves what’s right. Protestors can set shops on fire, maim or kill those who get in their way, or bully those they disagree with. Without applying biblical standards, sex loses the power of its astounding intimacy and satisfaction and frequently leads to heartache. Living according to a distorted perspective that makes us aim for selfish goals demeans us in ways that diminishes or may even destroy our spirit.

However, Isaiah 1:16-17 sets society on a path where everyone wins.

Stop doing evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor, Obtain justice for the orphan, Plead for the widow’s case.

The most important goal for 2021 is to seek such truths and apply them. History, archaeological finds, logic, and simple human decency–all point to biblical truth. The Bible is intended to be the foundational source for our lives because it builds the character that leads to justice for all. And isn’t that a goal worth aiming for?

I’d love to know your thoughts.