A SPOILED GENERATION
CONCEPT
Blind Leading the Blind
INTRODUCTION
A spoiled generation concept is one that blossoms forth under the blind leadership of the unrighteousness of man; has the pre-Flood days of Noah risen again? Has Sodom and Gomorrah raised from its ashes and become more acute despite its destruction being 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 ungodliness and unrighteousness 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; unrighteousness is failure in the moral sphere of injustice toward man.
Moral Compass No Longer
Functioning as Before
It was noted that it is estimated the average duration of the world’s great civilizations has been about 200 years. A study of these 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; 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 your 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 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). These voices of the past reflected 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!
Human Relationships
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, a plea for relationships that does not allow such.
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).
Unrighteousness Implanted
A spoiled generation concept is one that has allowed seemingly little insignificant things to come in unawares; until its tentacles reach out that can no longer be contained. Scripture reveals how faith can lose out in one generation: They (Israel) forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed after other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves to them, and provoked the Lord (God) to anger (Judges 2:10).
Many lands are allowing unrighteousness to be planted; forsaking the God of their heritage, fostering in ungodliness rather than godliness. A spoiled generation concept is like a spoiled child wanting to have its own way.
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, with a determination to punish it; due to its unbelief, ingratitude, and idolatry. Its sins not only sprung from the heart but continued through stubbornness and rebellion.
It no longer took notice of God’s ways of providence. A spoiled generation concept fits into this description; as nations no longer benefit from God’s umbrella of protection, having withdrawn from their allegiance to God, and are now reaping that which has been sown.
Without Remorse of
Conscience
The Psalmist David wrote: Have all the workers of iniquity (lawlessness) 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 thus 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, for He is no longer the focus in life.
Least Religious
Generation
A study found Generation Z (those born in late 90’s and early 2000’s) to be the least religious; less likely to attend church services, with the reason being church is not relevant or I will find God elsewhere. Scripture reveals: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised (Hebrews 10:23).
It was noted that the church is a body interacting; not merely a dispensary of spiritual food and medicine. We have witnessed, in a pandemic, what lack of body interacting can mean to a society that is alienated from spiritual or physical contact!
Contrast Between Wise
and Foolish
A spoiled generation concept seeks it 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 no more; but the righteous 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 (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 and flee from unrighteousness; a product of the spoiled generation concept!
Deviating from Former
Allegiance
The spoiled generation concept has entered into nations which once stood for the truths of God’s Word; having deviated from their former allegiance, such an example is given: We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; but we have forgotten God.
We have forgotten the gracious hand that preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these things were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us (Abraham Lincoln).
Pulpit is Responsible
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.
Provision Made for
Mankind
Provision has been made for mankind, even 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)!
This is the condemnation, that light (the Lord Jesus Christ) is come into the world, and men loved darkness (sinfulness of mankind) rather than light, because their deeds were evil (John 3:19). He that believes on the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) has everlasting life; and he that believes not the Son, shall not see life (a heavenly abode); but the wrath of God abides (remains) on him (a devil’s hell) (John 3:36).
The choice lies with each individual; for all will one day be judged based on his or her decision! Scripture reveals: It is appointed to men once to die 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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