“No thanks, it’s in too much of a mess. Not sure it can be fixed.” If there was such a thing (and there’s not) as an interstellar cosmic real estate flipper, and the earth was up for sale, and offered to him, this might be his response. The one true factor out of this imaginary scenario—the earth is in a mess. The more man tries fixing it, the worse it gets. One reality show about do-it-yourself home renovation focuses on couples who have gotten in over their heads. As they tear out and rebuild, it becomes apparent the project is beyond their skill level. Finally, they call a qualified contractor to rescue their remodeling attempts. At times, the contractor tears out everything and starts over.
I watched a news segment this week on schools that were teaching children from age three and up how to write computer programs—wonderful, nothing wrong with that. It was the commentator’s remark that caught my attention. “We’ve made a mess out of the world. We hope we can provide the tools to the next generation so they can fix it.” I am not a pessimist, but it’s not going to happen, that is not without God.
Through multiple media sources, we can read, listen, and watch 24/7 about the mess the world has become—climate, pollution, finances, dysfunctional families, conflicts in society, broken governments, and wars around the world. People desperately look for solutions and will accept most anything appearing helpful, as long as it doesn’t involve God. Humanity has made remarkable advancements in science, technology, medicine, agriculture, etc. However, note Jesus’ warning about building without Him. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell–and great was its fall (Mat 7:26, 27). The problem with much of the technological and social progress, which may appear like a magnificent structure but are built on sand. Without the Word of God as the foundation, all accomplishment will eventually collapse. Earth will remain in a mess.
Can we make a difference? First, we must build our individual lives on the foundation of God’s Word. The founders of our nation built on the foundation of Judeo-Christian principles. However, through the years, more and more individuals have built on other beliefs systems and they are slowly weakening the nations footing. This took place in Britain, which was the harbinger of the world outreach of Christianity in the 19th century. Although 60% of people today in England call themselves Christians, one church leader there recently said Christianity is nearly defeated and virtually nonexistent in everyday life. Here lies the problem. If that 60% would activity put Christian faith into their daily life, the change would be immediate.
Paul wrote that in the last days men would hold to a form of godliness, although they would deny its power (2 Tim 3:5). Another version translated this, They act as if they worshipped God, yet they do not let God’s power work in their lives (WE). Jesus gives every believer power and authority for living a victorious life. His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3). He promised, “I will not leave you as orphans” (John 14:18). He is with us through the Holy Spirit who gives us power and boldness to change the world around us. However, we cannot hide our light under a bushel. You are the light of the world. . .Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matt 5:14-16).
Seventy six percent of Americans label themselves as a Christian. Yet, how many of this 76% move beyond a superficial identification with Christianity and implement the Word of God in their life through the power and authority Christ has given? For those of you from the fifty other countries who visit the Sustaining Word webpage, this truth applies all around the world.
Yes, the earth is in a mess. As believers, we know the Architect and Contractor who created the world. Only He can fix the messes we’ve made. The key lies in mankind again building upon His Word as the foundation. Yet, regardless of what humanity does, as believers we have the assurance He can fix our lives, our families, or any other mess we’ve made even in the midst of a messed up world. In the end of time, like a contractor, He will tear out what man has flopped and start over. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. (2 Pet 3:12, 13).
Sustaining Word for the Week: Nothing is beyond God’s ability to fix if we turn to Him and allow Him to guide our building and remodeling. Begin by building your life on the foundation of God’s Word.