Understanding the “Whys” For The “Woes” Of Our Country

(Galatians 5:19-21)  “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” 

When any people lose their moral compass – the result is social chaos.  It is wrong to think that people have become more sinful.  It is right to think that people are no longer ashamed of their sin.  And as Paul wrote in Romans 1:32,  “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.”  We wonder why there is so much violence in our culture and at the same time violence is portrayed on nearly every popular television show and movie. The act of killing has become more and more graphic.  One of the first video games I can remember was Duke Nukem, first released in 1991 running on MS DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System – pre-Windows).  According to  today’s standards it is crude, but it was a seed planted. 

There is something that watching violence – playing violent games does to our thinking – it is thrilling – cathartic (provides psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions).  It also “feeds” the flesh.  

This is a spiritual truth.  One that is not received by the “natural man” nor embraced by the carnal Christian.  (As I type this I come under conviction about what I consider entertainment.) I find myself making excuses for what I consider entertaining.  It is like overlooking profanity because the story line is good.  It is what I believe is at the root of the problems we see.  Man does not get better on his own.  That is why there is a Christmas. 

And with respect to what our focus should be – what we should be drawn to – what we should desire … (Philippians 4:4-9)  “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” CHARLEY