There is a great outcry in our society as there was an outcry in Sodom and Gomorrah. Moral and spiritual decay is as disgusting as the decay of dead flesh. We look at others and sometimes are moved unhappily by their disrespect for God and human beings. It can be a good thing that one sense shame and disgust for error and sin in others; more importantly if we sense this in ourselves. A good sense of right and wrong can help solve many of our problems. Solving society's problems on the other hand, is not easily administered. The world that we live in is wicked. God made men upright but men have sought out many devices (Eccl. 7:29). Jesus does not expect you or I to "clean up" society. However, we are to go into this world and make disciples of all nations (Mark 16:15; Matt. 28:19&20). As disheartening as this world is, as sure as there will be wicked men and as ugly as sin is, there will be no lasting marches of victory over society's troubles; except hopefully in your life.

The relationship that a Christian has with Jesus is personal, that is, individually between the Christian and Christ alone. Many of the battles that we must fight are those when we stand-alone with Christ. It might be that the struggle seems hotter when we are at our jobs to make a living. For those who are in school, pressure from your peers to do wrong surges on around you. Many homes today are full of trouble and heartache; here is where many battles for Christ are fought. Even the local church is vulnerable to the attacks of Satan's servants. With all this said, some might take a turn down the road of hopelessness or defeatism. Don't make the mistake of deceiving yourself of the true facts of life. Understand that in Christ there is hope and victory over evil. The person that surrounds himself with truth has the potential of staying on the road of great expectation and winning the race of life.

Jesus Christ said, "I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6). Christ knew about the character of mankind. He knew that some would believe in Him and some would reject Him. He did not present Himself with an attitude of gullibleness concerning this evil world. In view of evil, He did not speak so as to soften or lessen the true essence of wrong. Jesus was the most even-tempered; the most sober minded and unprejudiced person there has ever been to walk the face of this earth. His pure example of life that He lived is a beacon for all that would trust in God. Before His death he said to His disciples, in John 16:33b, "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." NASB. The world hated Jesus. His handpicked apostles fled from Him at the height of troubles. Judas betrayed Him and Peter denied Him three times. As He hanged on the cross, alone (John 16:32), there were four or five disciples standing before Him, but at a distance. He could speak to them and they could hear. With some of His last dying breaths He spoke concerning the welfare of His mother who was standing there. After this He died.

When the wickedness of others get you down; when it seems that your efforts to help others in Christ are vain; when it seems that nobody wants the Lord and you find yourself at times falling into sin; take courage and help yourself first in Christ, then help those who are willing to be helped, (1 Tim. 4:16). Be content with what you can do in the Lord. When you die you will know what you have done in the Lord, even though in the end, we are still unworthy servants (Luke 17:10). No man can take that away from you. In Christ you can overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5).