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. . . The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But . . . his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat . . .
--Matthew 13:24, 25
Are Things Getting Worse?
As we celebrate
another anniversary of our nation's birth this month, we continue to hear
much in Christian and conservative circles about the social and moral decline
of our society. But generally positive, if uncertain, economic trends have
continued to quiet our worst fears. By en large, most of us still enjoy
a certain sense of security, personal freedom, and hope for the future.
The drumbeat of "things getting worse" is ominous and seems pervasive,
but remains distant. For most of us personally, immediately, life continues
on course and seems more or less under control.
Are things really getting worse? I'm convinced they are. I believe we are living in an atmosphere of moral and spiritual oppression that is as stifling as a 90 degree summer day with 100 percent humidity and no air conditioning. And it seems to me that the illusion of affluence is like a comforting fan, lulling and numbing our anxiety. I make no claims to being a prophet and am not here to pronounce impending doom. This is just my personal sense of the life and times in which we, the Church in the United States, find ourselves.
But there is another side to what is happening that is important for us to keep in focus -- the growing and irresistible expansion of God's kingdom. In the kingdom parables of Matthew 13, Jesus said that the good seed would grow up to full fruition in spite of the enemy's weeds. He also likened the kingdom's growing and pervasive influence to yeast that permeates an entire batch of bread dough.
It is important that we be discerning and realistic about the inevitable consequences of a morally bankrupt society. But Jesus' teaching dictates that we likewise maintain and take heart in the realization that the gates of hell will not prevail against the successful completion of the mission he has given us. Dark clouds are on the horizon, but the kingdom light will continue to shine brighter and brighter until Jesus comes.
-- Steve Wilson, Pastor
For more information, contact
Evangel Baptist Church, Dr.
Steve Wilson, Pastor
1114 College Avenue, Houghton, MI 49931
906/482-6626, evangel@up.net
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