12.29.21
The State of our World
This know also, that in the last days, perilous times shall come (2 Timothy 3:1).
As we soon enter a new year, I share with you a few things that Erwin Lutzer, a retired pastor, recently included in a book entitled, We Will Not Be Silenced. Though we may not see eye to eye in all things, his view of our current culture appears to be spot on.
First, he notices that the core values that built America are being dismantled. Our Judaeo-Christian past is being erased or cancelled so that a secular, or godless, society can replace it. This is clearly seen in the statues that are torn down, and the names of buildings, streets, etc. being changed to erase our past.
Second, racism continues to be fomented so that the ‘races’ can be kept in perpetual conflict. We need to be reminded that, while we may have different cultures and ethnicities in this world, there is only one race, the human race. God wants people to get along. Christ came to die on the cross and rise from the dead to create one new group, the church, made up of Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, male and female. The church is composed of all who turn from their sin and place their trust in Christ as Savior.
Third, our children are being sexualized. A few years ago, it was homosexuality that was the promotion de jour. The current fad is the transgender movement. What is next—pedophilia? All of these things are meant to warp our children, creating a world in which anything goes at any time with anyone.
Fourth, socialism seems to be the cure for all things. Socialism may seem attractive, and often works well at first, but it always leads to failure. Capitalism is not perfect, but it allows personal financial freedom. It leads to Christian work being able to be spread and promoted without fear.
Fifth, radical Islam isn’t going away. It presents a worldview completely contrary to Christianity and capitalism. It desires to rule the world and is making many inroads.
Sixth, social media, while helping people to stay connected, is actually a vehicle for division. Particular views are often stifled, cancelled or shamed. It often presents information in a biased fashion. Along with the news media, propaganda can be used to shape the perceptions of a whole population. There is often a lack of civility and respect in the exchange of ideas.
Seventh, the recent virus has impacted the entire world. It has created a great deal of fear, sickness, death and suffering. It has also given those in power an opportunity to exercise more power. When people are afraid, they are willing to concede their freedoms.
So, what can one who follows Christ do? Let me suggest that first, the believer needs to keep his eyes on the Lord and his mind in His Word. “Jesus [is] the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). He declared, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Luke 21:33).
Second, the believer should keep living for the Lord. Other people in other ages have had troublesome times. The early church had to live during the times of Roman oppression and Jewish opposition. Many were martyred for their faith. But God is still on the throne.
Third, when the opportunity arises, speak up for the truth. Faithfully serve Him. Fearlessly tell others what He has done for your soul. Look for His return!