Hope in a Declining World

Hope in a Declining World

??????????? Sadly, we witness and recognize the societal decay prevalent within America and in distant countries. Reports of lack of shelter and emerging food deserts, but our scrutiny goes so much further: violence, murder, mob disturbances, pervasiveness of greed, governmental corruption, and extreme moral decay. Paul wrote, Ephesians 2:1-3: “And you were dead in your offenses and sins, in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all previously lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the rest.” Christians, and even non-believers, are dismayed by what’s happening within our civilization. Moreover, Christians are seeing a national falling away from church attendance with alarming reports that our younger generations are rejecting Christianity. How should Christians respond when we see such overwhelming evil permeating our culture? The Scripture tells us, Romans 12:2: “Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” and Ephesians 5:11: “Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.” Consider a parable Jesus told, Luke 19:12-13: He said, “A nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return. Before he left, he called together ten of his servants and divided among them ten pounds of silver, saying, ‘Invest this for me while I am gone.” Jesus is the nobleman, and we are the servants. Jesus entrusts resources to us, whether material resources through an occupation or any number of gifts and abilities and we are commanded to do the business of the King until He returns. This means we need to use our abilities and resources to do the best we can to proclaim the truth of God’s Word no matter how miserable things look in our society. Hebrews 12:13: “Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” It’s essential we carry out the Great Commission, as Jesus instructed, Matthew 28:18-20:“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Yes, the days are evil and our time here on earth is short, therefore reaching others with the Word of God has eternal importance. Satan’s lies which started in Genesis chapter 3, haven’t changed. Let’s do the business of the King until He returns.