Often, in our day, I hear folks bemoaning how our society is becoming increasingly godless in recent generations.
Admittedly, I often add my voice to that throng, because it is true. Whether via social media, or traditional media, or sometimes just a trip to a department store, we are regularly reminded of how “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19b).
What’s more, Scripture says, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:1-5a). We see and hear these things all around us, and some of these things may even describe some of you reading this.
Thankfully, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Through Jesus we can not only be delivered from the deserved eternal death sentence that comes from sin, but also from the rule of the evil one and the sinful ways that once dominated our lives.
When we are confronted with this truth and believe, trusting our eternal well-being upon the person and work of Jesus Christ, our greatest problem ever is solved, and we receive the greatest treasure ever in eternal life. That is the good news of the gospel, the hope we can have for living.
Once saved by His grace, the Lord calls and equips us to share Him with others so they too can experience the forgiveness and new life found in Him. And so today, I am especially hopeful for living because of the next generation of folks whom I have had the joy of helping lead to Christ and/or teach and help equip for ministry that others may come to receive eternal life through Jesus.
In recent months our church has helped support several teens who have traveled to Kentucky to help construct housing for older fostered children through a Christian ministry; to the Dominican Republic to serve in orphanages, visiting and caring for those in need and helping with construction projects in the name of Christ; and even to downtown Indianapolis to help feed the homeless and share the gospel.
I am also rejoicing that both of my young adult children went on short-term mission trips this summer, one to Cuba and the other to Japan. They both saw spiritual fruit borne from their trips, including seeing people trust in Christ and growth in their own faith and character.
So, yes, the world is a darkening place, but the Light of the World continues to shine, even through the next generation. And that gives me even more hope for living.
Brett Crump is senior pastor of New Palestine Bible Church. This weekly column is written by local clergy members.
