There is no doubt that the public discourse on morality, the roles of men and women, and the sanctity of life have changed over the decades. However, as much as the words and the corresponding actions (sins) have intensified and multiplied, I am not convinced that the heart of the average person fifty years ago was any purer than his contemporary counterpart. Tragically, the excesses of today are a playing-out of the lusts of yesterday.
Many believers are watching the moral decay of society and wondering if we can ever come back from this. Of course, to the Bible reader none of this sounds new. Scripture shows generation after generation of believers and non-believers going through times of sin, punishment, repentance, and revival.
It is during times of repentance and revival that people lay godly foundations. Just laws are put in place and the evil is punished. Mum, dad, and the kids go to church and self-discipline is taught and expected. But sadly, these times of thrift and duty issue forth into times of decadence—times of sin and pending punishment.
Although believers are right to wonder what Heaven’s reaction to our godless generation might be, we can take comfort that long ago Scripture asked exactly the same question that we are asking today:
“If the foundations are destroyed,
What can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3).
The first thing that we must do is accept that God saw today coming in eternity; nothing surprises Him. Then we must worship Him for who He is: Lord of Lords and King of Kings; He rules as sole Sovereign over all things. Finally, we must build on the indestructible Foundation that was laid by the apostles and prophets—Jesus Christ!
“According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it” (1 Corinthians 3:10).
John Staiger