Why the World Cannot Change

Our world is in need of intervention. Man is giving it his "best shot." Government leaders, environmentalists, educators, medical specialists, humanitarians, activists, and even children are convening to find solutions to the earth's problems. So far, there has been much talk and very little change. Mankind is straining to fix what is wrong with the world, but finding disappointment at every turn.

The world cannot fix or change itself.

The world was never designed to problem solve or transform itself. It was created by God (Genesis 1) to facilitate relationship with Him, to perpetuate life, goodness, and the kingdom of God. Sin and destruction wasn't in the original design. The painful realities of our world today were not planned by God. Therefore, the world is not equipped to change these realities. It is at the mercy of...who?

God is often blamed for the condition of the world. The church often blames the world for the condition it is in. We pray and fast and call for solemn assemblies to see the world awaken to its' sin and need of salvation. We believe that either God has failed or is bringing judgment to the world. We believe that Satan has been allowed to ravage our world because of its evil.

If we believe this, we are wrong.

I have recently felt led to study the book of Isaiah. Though I've read it repeatedly over the past 30 years, I am amazed by the fresh understanding I am now receiving. God's Word is new every day! It takes a lifetime to study and digest the truth. Even then, I am sure we enter the heavenlies with so much more to learn.

Here is the basic truth I am discovering in Isaiah...the condition of the CHURCH is reflected in the condition of our world. In days to come, I'll take the time to look at this in depth. For now, I want to introduce a series of thoughts for prayer and contemplation.

Throughout the Bible, we read accounts and promises of God blessing a city because of the righteous that dwell there. We read of prophets and apostles who brought transformation to entire cities by bold proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have received the promised Holy Spirit Who empowers us to be witnesses, representatives of Christ in the earth. We have been given spiritual authority to bring God's kingdom rule and reign. We have the Word of God in our mouth that brings transformation. We have the ability to pray and move heaven and earth. If we know these statements are true, we must then reconsider why the world is now in need of intervention.

Are we crying out for God to do what we are supposed to be doing?

The church (the body of Christ; born-again believers) cannot bring transformation to the world until it is first transformed. When the same sin, bondage, and deception lies running rampant in the world is found within the lives of the church, how can we hope to bring change? If God's blessing is not resting upon a nation, where are the righteous? If judgment is coming to a nation, is it intended for the people of that nation OR for the slumbering church in that nation? These are questions I'm laying before God in my own life.

I am resting in the promise of a remnant of true believers who are spread across the face of the earth. They are the "match" that will strike a fire that will bring transformation to the church and then to the world! They are God's chosen vessals to carry His life and message in spoken Word with power and demonstrations of His compassion. This remnant is comprised of men and women of all ages, colors, and cultures who are being stirred up and pressed into a greater pursuit of God in this hour. They are passionate. They are determined. They are hungry for more. They are weary of hearing what God DID and want what God IS to be manifest. They are tired of inactivity and silence. They are ready to make a difference in the world.

I am one of this host of believers. I want to see Jesus glorified in my world. I want to SEE what I've been taught to expect. I want to KNOW HIM. I am ready to let God deal with the innermost parts of me. I am open to change. I am willing to hear. I am praying for the church as never before in my life. I love the church. I understand her purpose. I want to see her become all God intended so the world can be transformed.

The world is at the mercy of....the church.