One does not have to be a news junky to be aware of the
growing lawlessness and corruption that is sweeping across our land. Open violence that is tolerated by many who
advocate reducing police presence in our inner cities is a growing threat to
those populations. Outright lies are
being told to influence public opinion on matters dealing with health issues
and legitimate treatment options. Retail
outlets in certain parts of our country are facing a wave of theft that is generated
by a refusal to prosecute criminal offenders below a certain level. Parental rights and responsibilities are
being undermined by public officials who believe they know better than moms and
dads how children should be taught and disciplined. Efforts are being made to cancel major
dimensions of our history, thus preventing future generations from learning the
lessons of the past.
What is the source of such aberrant behavior? Why do humans engage in actions that ultimately
harm those they profess to care most about?
What drives powerful people to
espouse policies and actions that are detrimental to those they are charged
with leading? Why is our nation divided
in a manner not seen since the Civil War?
The wrong answer to these questions is at the root of what
ails America these days.
In May of this year, 1000 Americans were surveyed to determine
their worldview. A key finding of this
study revealed that 51% of adults claimed to have a biblical worldview. But, in actuality, their responses indicated
that just 6% actually have one. A
biblical worldview is an outlook that integrates the Christian faith into every
dimension of life. The Bible does not
just address how and when we should gather for worship, it provides principles
that must govern behavior 24/7.
Among the discoveries of this study is that just 33% of the
51% “believe that human beings are born with a sinful nature and can only be
saved from the consequences of sin by Jesus Christ.” That means that only about 17% of our
population recognizes our inherent sinful nature and that the only cure is found
in the work of Jesus Christ as Redeemer.
Throughout history, the depravity of the human heart has
been on full display. In the Old
Testament era, children were offered as burnt offerings to the heathen god Moloch.
Today they are aborted from the wombs of
their mothers in service to the god of personal freedom and convenience. National leaders in ancient Israel abused
their authority, led the nation astray, and brought the crushing judgment of
God upon themselves and their people.
Today, we are in danger of suffering a national collapse
because our collective conscience fails to recognize the inherent depravity of
the human heart which can only be cured by the power of God. So long as we blame our social ills on
educational methodology, or the color of our skin, or the level of the minimum
wage, or any other peripheral issue, we will never get to the root of the
problem.
We are each born a sinner.
Only the power of the gospel can change the human heart so that one can begin
to reflect a lifestyle that honors the God who made us. As a church, our task is to effectively
communicate the gospel message so that individuals can be changed and families
can build their lives upon God’s eternal truth. Any other foundation will crumble over the
course of time.
