Living in the World
Robert Bork’s book, Slouching Towards Gomorrah, was published in 1996. In 2024, it seems the world is actually “Racing Towards Gomorrah”. Considering the headlong race to societal destruction today, it is easy to lose perspective and become overwhelmed.
David’s question comes to mind: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3).
Conditions do look desperate from a strictly carnal point of view. And there seems to be no way to halt, let alone reverse the coming calamity. While we can’t stop the calamity, we must remember that God knows what is happening and that He laughs at those in power and authority who oppose Him (Ps 2:4-6). They seek to become gods denying not only God’s sovereignty, but His very existence.
Without God the State becomes a god with all “godly” prerogatives. Since humanity does not possess absolute truth, truth becomes a part of each individual. Many consider themselves as the only god and act as gods within their society today. And all societies rely on an authority from which there is no appeal. This is the god of the “system”. It is not whether there will be a god of the system, but rather which god it will be.
A society’s laws reflect what that society esteems as sacred and what that society regards as “sin”. Laws reflect the character of the system’s god. However, man is corrupt, and their constant law making is built on shifting sand. Each new law enacted “fixes” the previous law’s flaw while the new law only introduces new flaws. So society is becoming more and more like what it worships (Prov 8:36). Societal structures are filled with hopelessness, despair, and gloominess in which mankind is unable to rejoice in himself since he is the source of his misery.
All laws are imposed morality—not whether, but which. God’s character is immutable, and that is why law based on His character remains the same. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. So what is the answer to David’s question? What can we do?
We are to remember that God is in charge at all times. In the darkness of times God is still in control. What did Judas, Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, and the Jews accomplish? Their plans were meant for evil but God meant it for good. Christ’s sacrifice opened the path for reconciliation between God and all mankind.
We are not to forget to assemble together on the Sabbath Day. What we worship is what we tend to emulate. As Paul said: “imitate me as I imitate Christ” (I Cor 11:1-2). For us the Sabbath is a day of delight (Isaiah 58:13-14). We can rejoice in God because He is the source of our joy.
We are to continue to live a Godly life. Do the “little” things for the glory of God. All the things we do daily, all our basic duties have a big impact on those around us. Do the right thing towards family, colleagues, and strangers. Excel in your work. Be truthful and faithful to God’s commands. Always be aware our responsibility to glorify God in word and deed.
John Grabara
