Have you ever thought, “Why do we have to lock our doors at night? Why do we have locks on our car doors? Why do we have to enter into contracts with another party to ensure obligations are fulfilled? Why do we have a police force? Why do we have a military? Why do we have nuclear weapons?” And the list goes on.
The reason we have all of these protective measures is because something is wrong within all of us. Man is prone to do evil (Matt. 7:11). The theologian would call it the “sinful nature” (Gal.5:19). The late radical Fabian socialist, H.G. Wells, described it as, “Man having a ‘blank’ inside of him.” The central point is there is something wrong within man’s soul. However, although both may come to the conclusion that something is wrong internally, their solutions differ because both approach the issue from vastly different worldviews.
When we think the issue is not “sin”‘ related (which would infer the practical existence of God), some believe the solution is education. If we become educated on the issues that plague society we can eventually evolve into a global utopia. Although education may be of assistance, it does not have the power to transform a rebellious heart. Indeed, additional education may make man more crafty in his/her devious activities.
Others suggest, “If we can eradicate poverty, this will significantly improve society as a whole. There would be less crime, and man would be able to maintain relationships in a peaceable manner.” Although the improvement of one’s economic status may help, it would not squelch the greed that is in man’s heart. Nor would financial stability change the desires of man. If one is stable financially or affluent, the desire for pleasure may lead to a plethora of immoral behaviors (e.g. excessive drug use, alcohol abuse, lasciviousness, etc).
Yet, when we approach the issue from a biblical perspective we begin to understand something about our humanity. Our nature is fallen. We are prone to do evil (Jer. 17:9). And the only solution is a regenerate heart (2 Cor. 5:17; Titus 3:5). This new nature is bent to war against one’s own sin (Matt. 5:28-30; 18:9). Also, it delights in the One (Psa. 37:4) who has given a new nature and saved them from condemnation, namely, Jesus.
When we as a people decide to chart this course as opposed to following the current path that we are on, we will then position ourselves to see local, regional, national, and potentially, global transformation. Until then, we are deceiving ourselves if we think we are going to see any lasting change.
For more information on how to receive this “new nature” visit: newenglandawaken.org
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