THE RISE OF WICKEDNESS

We are living in the “Last Days” where the presence, and the working of evil is, at its peak. Society, and all its affairs, are run on a system, dominated by, unbridled greed, shameless grabbing of power by all means, unashamed selfishness, wanton pride and ruthless arrogance, demonstrated through the lies, manipulation, destruction of men, material, and remorseless cold blooded killings, in almost the entire world, in some form or shape. To confirm this, we simply need to read our newspapers, and watch the news channels. There would be no more doubts left. May sound pessimistic view, but this is the reality of our world. The LORD gave a list of societal traits to watch out for, that people would follow, in the last days. This helps to properly gauge our world.
– “​1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” – 2 Timothy 3:1-5

If we have to define the world we live in, in one single word, it would be, “wickedness” in the hearts and minds of human beings. International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, defines wickedness thus…
– OLD TESTAMENT: “The state of being wicked; a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honour, virtue; evil in thought and life; depravity; sinfulness; criminality…Pride and vanity lead to it:”
– NEW TESTAMENT: “Wickedness, malignity, evil in thought and purpose…”

What do we, as the children of God do, when all around us, we see such unprecedented rise of evil? What do we do? How do we navigate such vicious waters? May be, a more fundamental question is need – “Would we be able to do something to alleviate things?” Sadly, the answer is in the negative. There is nothing we can do about it. There is no stopping of this wickedness and evil, in the world.

Let us read a few Scriptures, to see what the LORD has to say to us about wickedness…
– “2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” – Proverbs 29:2
– “16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.” – Proverbs 29:16
– “12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.” – Proverbs 28:12
– “15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people.” – Proverbs 28:15
– “28 When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.” – Proverbs 28:28

The wisdom that we can gather from the written Word of God is this…
– Wickedness and the wicked people will rise.
– Let us have no illusions about man, and his ability, to steer things in the direction of good.
– We cannot do anything to stop wickedness, nor stymie it.
– The LORD in His appointed time, will deal with all evil, and wickedness, once and for all.
– Untill then, we ought to patiently wait upon God, and continue to walk steadfastly on the path, that the LORD Jesus had shown to us.

May the LORD help us to walk faithfully and obediently, the path of integrity and righteousness, in the face of all the wickedness that is thrown at us. Even so the LORD help us.