A Reason for Optimism

One would have to be living in a remote location untouched by the media to fail to grasp the seemingly inexorable drift into depravity which has overtaken our society in recent decades.  While we were always a nation of sinners, that sin is now more open and embraced than ever before.   In many ways our moral code has been turned on its head, with large segments of society embracing lifestyles which were once nearly universally condemned as evil

But a survey of 2,030 Americans from all fifty states, conducted by the American Bible Society during January and February of this year, provides some reason for hope.  81 percent of those surveyed stated their belief that morals are declining in America, a 5 percent increase from 2016.  39 percent blame corporate greed; 33 percent consider the entertainment industry the problem.  But 27 percent say it is due to lack of Bible reading.

Half of Americans are considered “Bible users,” and 81 percent are “Bible engaged,” “Bible friendly” or “Bible neutral” in contrast to the 19 percent that are either “Bible skeptic” or “Bible antagonistic.”  Moreover, 70 percent of Americans are confident the Bible can bring hope to America, as opposed to the 30% who place that hope in the president of the United States.

Presently 20 percent of Americans are “Bible engaged,” meaning they view the Bible as the inspired word of God and read the Bible at least four times a week.  38 percent are “Bible friendly,” who consider it God’s word but read it fewer than four times a week.  And there is some evidence that Bible skepticism may be declining.

Overall, we need greater engagement with the Word of God which is indeed “sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit” (Heb. 4:12).  God’s truth makes plain the subtleties of sin and the deceptions of evil that have blinded men to the truth.  It is also the means by which God brings spiritual life to the lost souls of men and women (Rom. 10:17) and fully transforms them thereafter (John 17:17).

There should be no more important objective in your life than filling your mind with a steady diet of God’s word.  These days, Bible reading competes with texts, tweets, instant messages, and the lure of the information society that constantly woos us.  Caring for the state of your eternal soul calls upon you to prioritize time in God’s word on a daily basis.  Don’t sell your soul for the Pablum of the world when you can dine on that which is “sweeter than honey,” on truth that will endure forever.