The world is in turmoil, suffering from the effects of the coronavirus, mistreatment of one’s fellowman, evil men changing peaceful protests into uncontrolled riots and looting.

It makes one wonder how could God allow these things to happen?

While all these things are terrible, they are not new. Man changed God’s great peaceable beautiful world into a sin-filled world in the very beginning (Gen. 3). It was not long before the first murder occurred (Gen. 4). The solution to all this is the same it has always been – God. When one looks at what God has done, it is amazing. Man would have given up on himself, but God did not give up. He planned a way for man to be saved.

If one studies God’s word and obeys it, they lean how to treat others. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matt. 7:12).

Jesus had and has the answer to all the world’s problems, but many do not even believe in God. God remains just as steadfast. Peace and love could reign if only man would turn to God.

Jesus showed man how to live. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” (1 Peter 2:21).

Jesus was tempted by Satan (Matt. 4:1-11) by the lust of the flesh, eyes and pride of life. Jesus used the scriptures to answer the temptations. If man turns to God, he has the greatest example to follow ever seen, but man must turn to God.

With each generation a nation can move farther away from God. As this happens there is more concern for physical well-being and less and less on spiritual well-being. Is it any wonder of the wickedness that is rampant in the world today?

When the things of this life are all that people are concerned about, society as a whole suffers. Things become idols, and idols destroy the belief in God.

An example of how this can affect life is seen in the life of Lot, who chose the physical things of life. He and his uncle traveled to gather for a time. Their herdsmen could not dwell together. Abram proposed the following resolution.

“And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left” (Gen. 13:8,9).

Lot looked upon the “well-watered plains of the Jordan” and chose to take his family there. In his vision, he only saw fertile fields and plenty of water for his livestock.

He did not think about what might befall him and his family if they went to this area. He was more concerned with physical things than spiritualness at this point in his life.

Just a few chapters later, we find what a terrible mistake Lot had made. He had moved into the city of Sodom. God determined to destroy this city for its wickedness.

Before things were finished, Lot lost most all he had and part of his family.

Had he been more concerned with spiritual matters than physical, he might have avoided a lot of heartache.

This world will not last forever. One day all will be destroyed. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10).

Only those who have sided with the God of heaven by obeying his Word will have a home in heaven for eternity.

This world could be a wonderful place for everyone once again, if all would turn to God.