Worse Than Not So Good

 Write From My Heart / November 6, 2020 / Worse Than Not So Good

            God’s creation was proclaimed very good. It was sufficient in every aspect. But man chose to take his focus off the Creator and instead turn to that which was created. Things became “not so good” rapidly as sin overwhelmed the earth and its people. And just when one might think things were bad enough, things became “worse than not so good.”

Genesis 6:5-7 (NIV)  The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. So the LORD said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.”

            Tragic enough to want to undo his creation of mankind, but the consequence extended to  animal life as well. I’ve always wondered about that. Perhaps it was because the depth of God’s displeasure was so deep that he not only wanted to erase man but also erase what man was in charge of tending. Perhaps you have a better answer. However our focus today will be on the problem man created and the consequences thereof.

            I’ve often heard the expression of someone not having an “inkling” of an idea. But that means they do not have the slightest indication and as we might say in today’s language, they have “no clue,” or they are “clueless.” Although similar in sound, this is not the same as the word inclination. To have an inclination indicates that one has a particular prevailing tendency toward a certain state of mind, character, or action. They are not clueless—they know what they are doing, and they have a particular mindset to continue in that direction. Unfortunately, our text informs us that the people had a particular mindset to continue in their evil thoughts—not just once in a while—all the time. Worse, these were evil thoughts coming from the very heart or core of men.

Genesis 6:8 (NIV) But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

            This is perhaps one of the most hope-filled verses in the Bible. If it were not for Noah and his persistence in worshiping God when all others succumbed to the enticements of sin, you and I might not exist today. Have you ever thought about that? It begs the question, how many people like Noah would God find on the earth today? Would there be enough to save the world? Or would there even be enough to save a nation? our nation?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

          You are fully aware of the situation our nation faces today. Our nation has come together to vote for “one Nation under God” and to keep “in God we trust.” Others have voted otherwise and that is their conscience. Some, relatively small in quantity, have chosen the inclination of evil. That is not okay with you. But the responsibility is on our own shoulders to be like the example set by Noah—to steadfastly worship you when all others succumb to the enticements of sin. We can only do this with the love, mercy, and strength that comes from you. Forgive us when we fall short of your will and guide us in the path that leads toward your soon-coming Kingdom.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.