We are daily seeing catastrophic occurrences in nature whether it be fires brought on by droughts, floods, mudslides, earthquakes, or unprecedented storms in the form of tropical storms (hurricanes, tornadoes). Environmental disasters have become commonplace. While some are quick to say it is natural and is to be expected, man has done much to contribute to these disturbances, because of his failure to exercise more caution in implementing environmental regulations. We have done a poor job fighting gas house gases, which are known to be destroying the ozone layer.
We should be leery of those who fail to adhere to the fact that global warming is real, and we should do everything possible to slow down this ever-occurring progression. The climate is only one of several warning signs that we may be living in the last few days. Some would readily argue that our socially hedonistic ways and love affair with money have taken on an unholy air. Acquiring money, whatever the cost and the ostentatious display of materialism has reached an all-time high. We are being taught that success and happiness are contingent on attaining personal wealth. Possessing inner peace without making lots of money is a waning concept for ‘losers.’
Many of our churches are selling contentious ‘prosperity ministry,’ alluding that God blesses those who give more over others who may not be able to. We are living in a time where immorality and blatant lying are becoming acceptable without any dire consequences. This is seen in so many of our politicians or elected officials who feel comfortable in manifesting hateful and racially dividing rhetoric. In fact, vices, once deemed unacceptable, have become commonplace and acceptable by a society willingly lauding and catering to indecency.
The rise of indecency or immorality is nothing new, but it’s rampant among so many of our young adults. It can be found in the way they disfigure their bodies, e.g., excessive tattoos and body piercings. Some say this is sacrilegious to our bodies, which should be seen as spiritual temples. There is no shortage of scantily dressed individuals and those adamantly accepting lewd and salacious dance movements such as ‘twerking.’
Young people are quick to defend contentious, demoralizing behaviors, saying older generations were no saints either. But they fail to understand that immoral behavior is wrong, regardless of who practiced it or when it took place.
The pursuit of sexual satisfaction seems to have no boundaries. We as a society parade our insatiable desire for sexual fulfillment in TV, movies, songs, dance, and strip clubs offering little if any self-control. We have become lovers of sex regardless of gender restraints—with some even catering to sex with children. It is as if nothing is considered sacred anymore, and self-control is not an option.
At times, it appears little if any redress is given to many of the ills we see blatantly occurring in our society. Instead of acknowledging the demeaning effects of some in their actions, too often those involved in flagrant transgressions spend their time rationalizing and trying to justify the unjustifiable. It seems this world’s desire to court indecency and immorality has reached an all-time high and the light is readily succumbing to the dark.
The family is not without fault. So many parents have failed to instill religious or spiritual values and responsibility into their children. We have produced an outpouring of selfish children and young adults who un-remorsefully show little if any respect to their parents or the elderly. We find daughters rebelling against their mothers, with sons disrespectfully rebelling against their fathers. The family which is supposed to resonate with love, trust, and responsibility has been compromised and is teetering upon changing drastically or failing altogether.
Pending wars among countries and religious groups are only reminders of man’s inability to live in peace adhering to divine spiritual laws. The outcome of some of these wars may eventually bring about the annihilation of mankind, but that doesn’t seem to be a deterrent for us. Unfortunately, our major wars are fueled by maniacal dictators or self-serving governments seeking power and control, with little if any consideration for the lives of the masses involved.
I guess the most motivating factor contributing to our descent into oblivion can be our refusal to practice self-control. It appears we want what we want and refuse to feel guilty, rationalizing that self-pleasure supersedes everything as long as you are not personally hurting someone physically. Our lack of forbearance or desire to practice it can be seen as an Achille’s heel bringing about eternal demise if we so choose.
As we look around and question the drastic events occurring in our world, we must acknowledge that our benevolent God is not happy. Our refusal to adhere to His divine laws, even to the point that some are attempting to take credit for all of man’s achievements and accomplishments, voids God from the equation. That leaves us open to dire consequences. I can only pray that some of our houses are in order. Can you honestly say your house is in order? If not, hopefully, every day is another day to try to get it right.
