50 years ago this was said:
"More and more [people] feel threatened by runaway technology, by large scale organisations, by overcrowding. More and more...are appalled at the ravages of industrial progress, by the defacement of nature, by man-made ugliness. If our society continues at its present rate to become less liveable as it becomes more affluent, we promise all to end up in sumptuous misery."
US Sec of Health, Education and Welfare. (1968) quoted in THE REASON FOR MY HOPE, (SALVATION) by Billy Graham, Sub-heading 'Hope And Change', ch 8.
So what has changed?
Maybe you feel that way too - nearly fifty years later. So what's changed?
Whether it's politicians, corporate leaders, perceived inconsistency in the legal system and no confidence in judges, a public education system that mindlessly accepts evolution 'as a given', a welfare system seemingly pandering to those who abuse it, poor role-model sporting heroes, and a depressing breakdown in marriage with its consequent 'broken children' and couples, if there is a marriage at all, increasing drug use, depression and suicide.
A strong sense of decay and failure with no end in sight?
What am I striving to achieve here? Am I nevertheless (hopefully) somehow heading 'onward and upward'?
A worldly solution?
Can you imagine any Pope, President, Prime Minister, nation, parliament or army, United Nations or other human entity ever having the ability or capacity to arrest, let alone reverse, the downward spiral the world is now in, assuming you agree we are in such a spiral?
Spirituality is low (some say virtually non-existent in Oz), general morality ('sexual' is not the only type) is questionable in many quarters - sexual morality is low, responsibility for actions, respect for others and safety for all is slipping, conservation of beautiful wildlife and habitat is a losing battle.
When you step back and reflect on our fast-changing world, the picture looks increasingly grim don't you think? Is there any long-distance, lasting hope anywhere?
So is there a fix for the state of my world?
After quoting that US politician, the author then asked:- "So where do we place our hope?...how can anyone bring about change that will make this world better? I can tell you that no-one belonging to the human race is capable. The flaw in human nature is too great. Humanity's lofty ideas at best fall short...
The answer will come out of heaven...when the holy One...brings victorious change to this weary and wicked world.
The God of hope...will send His Son once more...He is the only Change Agent who transforms man's nature by changing his source of hope...Who is this Man of hope? His name is Jesus Christ. Hope rests in God's Son alone, not in the affairs or the change agents of the world."
Our great creator: Redeemer God says the only answer is Jesus
Cast all your anxiety on Him [Jesus] because He cares for you. 1 Peter chapter 5 verse 7
Come to Me all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew chapter 11 verse 28
By His power God raised the LORD from the dead, and He will raise you also. 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 14
We know that the One who raised the LORD Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to Himself. 2 Corinthians chapter 4 verse 14
Gavin Lawrie is a retired Barrister and Solicitor from Tweed Heads NSW and author of the book 'THE EVIDENCE OF EVOLUTION: Uncovering The Faulty Science Of Dawkins' Attack On Creationism." He is married to Jan with two adult children and they are grand parents.
Gavin Lawrie's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/gavin-lawrie.html