World's s A Mess

Dear Victorious,

It seems like the world is just full of bad news. Everywhere we turn we not only hear about natural disasters and wars, but politics and government leaders seem to be disasters in themselves. And it's not only our country. What should we make of this? I mean, what could explain this apparent truth?

Lu Ann P. - Temple, TX

Dear Lu Ann,

The world today isn't really much different than it has ever been. Even back in Biblical times, for example, the same kinds of problems were evident. One might conclude that man is too stupid ... or too imperfect to rule himself. That's probably the closest thing to the truth.

Truth, by the way, is not represented in the circumstances. So the observation you make should be regarded as a fact, a situation or a circumstance. But it is not the truth. Only God is truth. And only through Jesus is truth even possible. But I digress, so back to the point.

Why is the world such a mess, and why has it always been such a mess - even in Biblical times? National and local government leaders do not seek God, serve God, follow God, submit to God or look for God's ways. They do not call their people to repentance or call them to serve the Lord. Consequently, their countries, states, counties, cities, etc. are tormented by conflicts of all sorts (including outright war). Many people follow the false gods of politics, technology, money, and even war (believing that military might represents strength or increases the odds of victory in conflicts). In fact, true worship of God is actually pretty rare on earth. It always has been.

Could this mess ever change? Only if people turn to God. Otherwise, we're destined to continue this thousands-of-years-old pattern of living.