A SPOILED GENERATION
CONCEPT
Blind Leading the BlindINTRODUCTION
A spoiled generation concept is one that blossoms forth, under blind leadership of the ungodly, would raise the question: Has the pre-Flood days of Noah risen again? Has Sodom and Gomorrah risen from the ashes and become more acute despite its destruction as an example for future generations?
Apostle Peter revealed: God spared not the old world (pre-Flood days of Noah) but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; and turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemning them with an overthrow (destruction), making them an example to those that after (afterward) should live ungodly (2 Peter 2:5-6).
A Spoiled Generation Concept
Wrath of God
A spoiled generation concept will not escape the wrath of God; unless repentance comes to the forefront. Scripture tells us: The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness (ungodliness) of men, who hold (suppress) the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18).
It was noted that wrath is not the revelation of a future judgment of God but a present revelation that parallels the present revelation of God’s righteousness. Ungodliness is failure in the religious realm; with unrighteousness being a failure in the moral sphere of injustice toward man.
Moral Degeneration
It was noted that it is estimated the average duration of the world’s great civilizations has been about 200 years. A study of civilizations reveals their mortality was not due to the lack of mental ability but moral degeneration. A spoiled generation concept no longer thirsts for righteousness but unrighteousness (ungodliness); with its moral compass no longer functioning as before.
For such to register a true direction it needs to be zeroed in on the Word of God; lack of such, contributes to allowing immorality to prevail without restraint. Apostle Paul wrote: Be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).
Voices of the Past
It was noted that our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people; it is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. Statesmen may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone, which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand (John Adams). Moral habits cannot be safely trusted on any other foundation than religious principle, nor any government be secure which is not supported by moral habits (Daniel Webster).
If we ever forget that we are one nation under God then we will be a nation gone under (Ronald Reagan). Those voices of the past reflect on the need for moral upbringing based on God’s Word, living in a godly manner; that a nation may prosper and be spiritually sound, not falling into a spoiled generation concept.
Spoil the Vine
Scripture reveals: Catch the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines; for our cities have tender grapes (Song of Solomon 2:15). It was noted that this references the fact that the little foxes brought havoc in ancient vineyards; representing the little things in human relationships that weaken previously strong spiritual bonds, and a plea for relationships that does not allow such.
It was noted that those who have been responsible to safeguard our heritage have not been watchful enough; allowing the little foxes to creep into the vineyard, having become so numerous and big, they can no longer be driven out by ordinary methods, for they well-nigh have possession of the vineyard (Noah H. Mack).
Going Astray
Scripture reveals: I (God) was grieved (angry with that generation, and said, they do always err (go astray) in their heart; and they have not known my ways (Hebrews 3:10). It was noted that God was displeased with such a generation, taking notice of its sin (ungodliness), with a determination to punish it; due to its unbelief, ingratitude, and idolatry.
Its sins not only sprung from the heart but continued in stubbornness and rebellion; no longer taking notice of God’s ways of providence. A spoiled generation concept fits into this description; in nations, or individuals, who are in such a status, no longer benefiting from God’s umbrella of protection, having withdrawn their allegiance to God, and now reaping what what they have sown (Galatians 6:7).
Without Remorse of
Conscience
The Psalmist David wrote: Have all the workers of iniquity (ungodliness) no knowledge? Who eat up (devoured) my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the Lord (Psalm 14:4)? It was noted with the denial of God’s existence often brings moral decay and human depravity.
The very essence of the term “a spoiled generation” lies in this descriptive narrative that they have no knowledge; or if so, have no desire to adhere to “what saith the Lord.” A spoiled generation concept finds one without remorse of conscience; feeling no need to call upon God, pray to Him, serve or worship Him. The Prophet Jeremiah wrote: Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination (ungodliness)? No, they were not at all ashamed neither could blush (did not know how) (Jeremiah 6:15).
Contrast Between Wise
and Foolish
A spoiled generation concept seeks its own path; without regard to God or man. The Book of Proverbs gives a contrast between the wise and the foolish: As the whirlwind passes so is the wicked (ungodly) are no more; but the righteous (godly) is an everlasting foundation (Proverbs 10:25). The fear of the Lord prolongs days; but the years of the wicked shall be shortened (Proverbs 10:27). He that walks in his uprightness fears the Lord; but he that is perverse in his ways despises him (Proverbs 14:2).
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34). The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord; but he loves him that follows after righteousness (godliness) (Proverbs 15:9). A high look and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked is sin (Proverbs 21:4). These are but a few of the reasons given as to why one should cling to righteousness (godliness) and flee from unrighteousness (ungodliness); a product of the spoiled generation concept.
Pulpit Responsbility
A legendary evangelist of the First Great Awakening, Charles G. Finney, noted that preaching will bear its legitimate fruits; if immorality prevails in the land, the fault is ours to a great degree. If there is a decay of conscience the pulpit is responsible for it. If the church is degenerate and worldly the pulpit is responsible for it.
If Satan rules in our halls of Justice the pulpit is responsible for it. If our politics become so corrupt that the very foundations of our government are ready to fall away the pulpit is responsible for it. Let us not ignore this fact; but let us lay it to heart, and awake to our responsibility in respect to the morals of this nation. A spoiled generation concept is prevalent when pulpit responsibility is not taken seriously.
Provision for Mankind
Provision has been made for mankind, even those of the spoiled generation concept, towards salvation of the soul. Scripture reveals: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), that whosoever believes in him, should not perish but have everlasting life. God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (John 3:16-17).
The choice lies with each individual; for Scripture reveals it is appointed to men once to die (an earthly death) but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). When the last breath of life is taken; no alternation of one’s destiny can be made, today is the day of salvation, tomorrow may be too late.
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