Increased Wickedness

“Because of the increase of wickedness…” (Matthew 24:12a).

In most respects, civilization is more advanced today than it has ever been. Paradoxically, the advancement of civilization has not led to a corresponding advancement in civility, as even a casual survey of “traditional” and “social” media will attest. Some may even argue that civilization (or at least civility) has retreated rather than advanced. But how does one accurately measure the decline in morality and the increase in wickedness when the standard of measurement is constantly being redefined by society? As it stands, things that a generation ago would have been universally condemned or considered abnormal are now tolerated or considered praiseworthy and acceptable. This phenomenon was illustrated quite eloquently in the following invocation.

Heavenly Father,

We come before you today to ask Your forgiveness and to seek Your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, “Woe to those…