God gave them over

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgement of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. – Romans 1.28-32

I often look around and wonder how things can possibly be so bad. Just a quick views of the newspapers internet news feeds will show that we live in wicked, wicked times. I realise that this is nothing new; I know it is just more obvious now, but my point is that we live in a wicked broken world. Just look at the list in the passage above. Sound familiar?

The world is broken and we often wonder why. How can people be so evil and do such evil things. Why can't we all just get along? Why has Utopia never been achieved?

Sadly, it is pretty simple. Man chooses to ignore God and God lets man do what he wants. Certainly, some people want to do right and do their best. We can’t deny that. It is obvious that people can manage decent behaviour without relying on God.

But that doesn’t change the fact that we look at these verses and see a picture of the world we live in. Man will never be able to produce Utopia no matter how well intentioned or how well behaved he is because man is a sinner and the world is broken. We are even warned that as time goes on they is going to be more and more acceptance of wickedness.

God doesn’t force Himself on anyone. If man rejects Him God is willing to let man go on without Him. He even warns of the consequences. But man goes on his way. 

Some believers might be feeling pretty smug at the moment. Hold on till tomorrow.