Depraved Generation

Chuckle: "Two lawyers walked into the office one Monday morning, talking about their weekends. "I got a dog for my kids this weekend," said one. The other replied, "Good trade."

Quote: "You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person." Unknown Author

A DEPRAVED GENERATION

"The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I know! I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve" (Jeremiah 17:9-10 NLT). "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, . . ." (Philippians 2:14-15 NIV).

The word "depraved" means totally wicked. It describes the condition of the human heart without the transforming work of the Holy Spirit through faith in the atoning blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. When used in a Biblical sense, it implies that there is absolutely nothing we can do, in our own strength, to make ourselves less depraved. Most of us would agree that we live among people of a depraved generation. When I read the paper or hear the news, I'm amazed and appalled by the utter wickedness within the human heart. We sometimes forget how evil the world really is.

Paul admonished the Christians at Philippi to be different and "shine like stars in a universe" (Philippians 2:15 NIV), while living in an otherwise evil generation of people. Paul's words remind me of the prayer of Jesus to his Father: "My prayer is not that you take them (his followers) out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one . . . As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world" (John 17:15-18 NIV). God does not want us to blend in with the world, but he wants us to stand out as different even while we remain in the world as his messengers and ambassadors.

Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, says we are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world to those around us. He goes on to say a light should be put on a stand so that its light can shine for all. "In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16 NIV).

When we blend in with the depraved crowd, we hide the light of Christ that has been entrusted to us. Here are some ways we hide our light: (1) by being quiet when we should speak, (2) going along with the sinful ways of the crowd, (3) denying Jesus, the true Light, (4) letting sin dim our light, (5) not explaining our light to others, or (6) ignoring the needs of others.

Let's face it, a Christian has influence, either positive or negative. We must not hide from the world but let our influence count for Christ in such a way that God will get the glory for all the good we do. We should be a beacon of truth -- and not allow our light of Christ be hidden from the rest of the world.

Love, Jerry & Dotse