And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  – Genesis 6:5

I hear it all the time, I even say it, “This world is getting so bad.”  We point to anything and everything to back up the statement.  We talk about the kids, we talk about the parenting, we talk about the lack of respect, we talk about phones, the internet, music, social media, and infinite other sources of blame.  If you talk to a hardcore democrat, they believe with all their heart it is the president’s fault.  If you talk to a hardcore republican, they believe it is a former president’s fault. 

I had to ask the Lord.

The first thing I believe He showed me came by reading Oliver Twist.  I read A Christmas Carol almost every year at Christmastime.  When I finished, I realized I had never read any of Charles Dickens’ other books.  So, I’m about halfway through Oliver Twist.  I’ve got to tell you . . . I’m almost mortified at how Oliver has been treated.  There is a scene where a chimney sweep hopes to obtain Oliver simply because he is so small and will fit in the chimney’s so well.  The people responsible for Oliver were aware of the death rates in that business and were reluctant to let him go, even though they wanted rid of him badly.  The chimney sweep said the business is much better now, that when the fire hits their bare feet that it is highly encouraging and motivating for them to climb on out.  I thought, surely this wouldn’t have been for real.  Unfortunately, this kind of thing was a regular occurrence.  It was the death of a kid named George Brewster that caused laws to be made to protect kids from this back in 1875.  Google that one.

Lastly, I picked up the Bible and started in the beginning like I’ve done for many years.  I didn’t have to read very far.  In chapter six we are told that the hearts of people only thought about evil continuously.  I thought of what this world would be like if I had never experienced the countless conversations I’ve had with people who love God.  I thought about the wonderful times my mind has been laser focused on Him and His presence.  I thought about how my heart overflows with thankfulness from time to time.  Back then, that never happened.  I’ve only been alive for 50 years and have experienced the goodness of God.  Those guys lived 15-20 times that long and never did.  Their hearts were only evil and that evil grew and grew for centuries and centuries.  God decided it was best to wipe them all out.  

It has most definitely been worse.

Lord, I can’t even imagine what I’d be like today if I’d never met You.  My heart would grow harder and harder.  My mind would continually gravitate towards evil.  With the time I have left, help me introduce people to You.  Help me plant the seeds, then You make them grow.  Let those seeds fall on the best soil.  Let them grow until they produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, and self-control.  Thank You so much for growing me, changing me, and filling me with the Holy Spirit.  From now on when I think the world is bad, I’ll remember that if You had not intervened in my life, I’d still be lost.  Seek and save that which is lost, Lord.  Amen.