In the Western world, there is a dangerous trend taking place: if a problem cannot be solved, it is normalized—and then imposed on the rest of society. Instead of addressing the root of the issue, the culture finds ways to redefine it, rename it, and repackage it until people not only accept it but celebrate it.
This is what happens when truth is abandoned and comfort takes its place. The Bible warns us of such times:
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” (Isaiah 5:20)
Obesity: From Epidemic to “Body Positivity”
Take the obesity epidemic in America—especially among women. For decades, the government and health institutions have tried to fight this growing crisis, but with little success. Instead of solving the problem, the culture has normalized it.
We don’t say a woman is overweight or obese anymore. Instead, we say she is curvy or confident. While encouragement and kindness are necessary, the truth remains: unchecked obesity is not beauty, it is sickness. It destroys health, shortens lives, and places enormous strain on society. Insurance premiums rise, healthcare costs skyrocket, and new businesses profit off this so-called “body positivity.”
But redefining sickness as confidence doesn’t heal—it deceives.
Homosexuality: Redefining Family
The same pattern of normalization is seen in the acceptance of homosexuality. The Bible clearly teaches that marriage is between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4–6). But culture has worked hard to redefine family itself.
When men and women stop forming traditional families—where each gender plays its God-given role—the very foundation of society crumbles. Birthrates fall, children grow up without stability, and confusion takes the place of order.
What is normalized as “love” comes at the cost of the next generation.
Transgenderism: Profiting from Brokenness
Even more alarming is the normalization of transgenderism, especially among children. Puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and irreversible surgeries are being promoted as solutions to gender confusion. In reality, they are destroying bodies and souls.
The truth? This is a gold mine for pharmaceutical companies, surgeons, and insurance providers. Every procedure means more profit. But behind the money is a tragic cost: broken lives, mental health struggles, and people left scarred for life.
Scripture warns us:
“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him… and exchanged the truth about God for a lie.” (Romans 1:21, 25)
Sports and Gender Confusion
Men competing in women’s sports is another form of normalization. Years of hard work by female athletes are undermined when biological men take their scholarships, prizes, and recognition. The sports industry benefits financially, but women pay the price.
And now, with the rise of “gender fluidity,” society claims there are more than 150 genders. This is not progress—it is insanity. It destabilizes identity and creates mental health crises that fuel yet another booming industry: therapy and counseling.
The Trap of Normalization
The unspoken motto of our time seems to be: “If people won’t accept it, normalize it.” Whether it is sin, sickness, or confusion, the culture has found ways to rebrand rebellion as identity.
But God’s Word does not change with trends:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
Thriving on Less: Choosing Truth Over Lies
To thrive on less in this culture means rejecting normalization when it contradicts God’s truth. It means refusing to go along with lies, no matter how popular they become.
Instead of normalizing sin, we must return to repentance. Instead of celebrating sickness, we must pursue healing. Instead of affirming confusion, we must point to God’s design for men and women.
Jesus promised:
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
True freedom is not found in normalization—it is found in God’s unchanging truth.
Thrive on Less 
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