The Effects of a Polarized World
In an increasingly polarized world, it is hard to see beyond today and tomorrow, but I suspect a future lies outside of the heightened insanity we see around us. Some are picking sides against one another, but my suspicion is no one is actually seeing the primary scheme of Satan’s kingdom in the current world system.
The problem is that the opposite of one wrong position is not necessarily the right position. Many of those in the church would agree wholeheartedly with the Pharisees’ positions on many issues, yet Jesus rebuked them. Philosophical or political “rightness” is not sufficient before God, nor does it lead to eternal life and sanity and peace for this present time. So what do I believe is really going on in the world? I am preparing for a “post-burnout” world. Living in a heightened world of social media, television, and other outlets spewing anger and fear for years and years is exhausting.
Those on one side and those on the other are both living in “fight or flight.” Do you know what we have learned through Hope of the Generations Church and Be in Health over the years? This lifestyle leads to disease and depression. Your body cannot sustain years upon years of living in conflict and strife. My concern with the planet post-pandemic is one of a new spiritual “normal.” What does a new spiritual “normal” mean? It means we are accustomed to fear and anger, and they become a baseline of our responses to most situations. These are inherently disease makers. Living on adrenaline is damaging to our bodies long term and can lead to severe physiological breakdowns.
The Love of God is the Cure
Another serious spiritual issue leading up to the end of this age will not just be wars and offenses, but love shall wax cold.
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Matthew 24:12 KJV
Why does this matter? One might ask, “Are not anger and violence a greater threat to humanity?” Yes and no. I agree that hurting and murdering one another is a terrible reality, but let me dig into this subject further. If the love of Father God is the cure, how would healing come without it? Even a small, untreated wound can become fatal if left to fester and grow without treatment.
However, love does not begin with affection toward humans. It starts with our decision to choose to follow Father God. He is love.
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16 KJV
Will We Choose to Follow God’s Word?
Perhaps the means by which Satan overthrows God’s plans for the planet through humans are far less conspiratorial than we have been led to believe. The manipulation of Satan’s kingdom is much more basic and less difficult to understand if we consider what lack of trust in Father God produces. How we behave in our day-to-day decisions dictates the shifting of our neighborhood, city, state, and country. If we learn to hate and be afraid of our neighbor, we are not trusting Father God despite what evil they may be hiding. Are we willing to follow God’s Word despite the immediate benefits of sin that come with attacking others or living in suspicion of others? We are promised blessings if we walk not in the counsel of the ungodly and choose God’s Word instead.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalm 1:1-2 KJV
Even on a global scale, it strikes me that most nations and world leaders are seeking to protect themselves out of fear. They seek to protect their own goods and fend off those who would hurt them. On the other hand, the Word of God instructs us to trust Father God with our life and consider His ways over self-preservation.
The challenge we must face is: are we willing to be patient and allow Father God to reform us despite the ways of the world around us? It may appear as if the world increases in wealth and prosperity sooner by engaging in sin, but that is not the promise we have with Father God. As we repent for following after bitterness, anger, and fear, we will learn to prosper spiritually, which will sustain us through good and bad times.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Psalm 1:3-4 KJV
Proper Godly Perspective
We may feel like lashing out at the unfairness of the world or the belief that evil men will get away with their sinful ways, but we are promised that there will be a conclusion, and they will be judged for their ways. Many men and women have been martyred for following after the Word of God, and others have increased in goods while defying Father God. However, we must ask ourselves, “Would I rather spend eternity in the presence of the Godhead or would I like to spend ALL of eternity in torment?”
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1:5-6 KJV
Perhaps we need to develop proper godly perspective. Trusting God is never the popular choice, but it is the only way to freedom, peace, and contentment.
Blessings,
Scott Iwahashi
Elder, Hope of the Generations Church
None of us want to be a slave to sin or the kingdom of Satan. If you are seeking recovery from severe burnout or find yourself in constant fight or flight mode, we invite you to join us for the For My Life Retreat. It’s available in person at the Be in Health/ Hope of the Generations Church campus in Thomaston, Georgia. Or, if you are unable to travel at this time, we also have an online version of the For My Life Course. We want everyone who is seeking healing, restoration, and freedom in Christ to have the opportunity to participate so scholarships are available for those seeking financial assistance.
If you would like to read more:
The Seven Steps to Sin – https://dev.beinhealth.com/seven-steps-to-sin/
What is True Spiritual Freedom – https://dev.beinhealth.com/true-spiritual-freedom/
What Does the Bible Say About My Identity – https://dev.beinhealth.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-my-identity/
