And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. Romans 1:28
Everyday we see and hear accounts of unthinkable, to us anyway, violence, anger and just plain evil. We do not have to watch or read world news as sometimes these events transpire in our own community. As always, many so-called experts weigh in with thoughts and opinions. We realize from scripture that sinful man has always brought about these actions (Gen 4:8) and we see the same things today that are condemned in Romans chapter 1. Many variables are rightly mentioned and our nation needs to address them and take them very seriously, ranging from mental health to overall lack of discipline and respect throughout society. The one constant though has always been these horrible actions become rampant when God is forgotten!
The Bible is very plain in warning us about what will happen when sinfulness becomes the norm. It’s an awful cycle. First it’s allowed, then accepted, leaders then endorse or legalize sin, and lastly, it becomes praised by mankind. Scripture is plain. Society can do that, but there is a heavy cost to be paid. Proverbs 14:34 reminds us, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people”. To counteract these things a good many, but not all of those who have been entrusted to lead the nation point their fingers in every direction and at everything possible, all the while refusing that they should strive to lead and we as a people live righteously!
Articles and sermons could extend forever about the reproaches sin has on our people today. But, we consider this and say “what can we do”? I would simply say the same as Paul did earlier in the Roman epistle that is our leading text for this article. Romans 1:15 says, “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also”. It is stated in the next sentence (vs 16), “for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek”. We, as Christians, have exactly what the world, not just the U.S.A, needs to bring about the change and peace we desire.
We still have a voice in the world and what we have to say matters. This was the attitude the apostles carried as well (Acts 4:20). We ought also to pray to God for the lost and the suffering as well that His Providential Hand keeps all the innocent as well as ourselves safe. Lastly, let it motivate us to look to eternity, a home in heaven, where none of these horrible things exist and we are comforted by the Lord our God (Rev 21:4).
By Jason Barger