Ok, I’ll admit it. I’ve always been intrigued with space stories and science fiction in general. The idea that man could one day travel to the stars or to Mars in space ships easily captures one’s imagination. In my teen years Star Trek: Next Generation was a show I regularly watched on television. Each week, audiences would be taken on another wonderful space adventure. It was easy to let myself get carried away by the story but that doesn’t mean that everything taught in the Star Trek universe was based on biblical truth. Take the human nature of man for instance. In the Star Trek universe, mankind has supposedly advanced to the point where they have eradicated poverty, crime, war and most diseases. Greed and violence are supposedly relegated to the past.
Is Humanity Capable of Evolving Past its Violence and Evil?
You may or may not have noticed but a recurring theme in movies and tv shows is this idea that mankind is one day going to evolve. The theory goes that one day human beings will figure out how to eliminate poverty. We will eliminate crime. This line of thinking says that we will eventually evolve into good beings capable of great kindness, morality and benevolence. Is this utopian view based in truth? I don’t believe so. This rose colored glasses view of humanity certainly doesn’t line up with what the Bible teaches us about humanity. Consider the following verses:
“…None is righteous, no, not one;no one understands; no one seeks for God.All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” – Romans 3:10b-12
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” – Romans 3:23
“Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” – John 8:34
“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” – Romans 7:18-19
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy,drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” – Galatians 5:19-21
“For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” – James 3:7-8
I could go on quoting verse after verse in the Bible that point to the fact that naturally, without the supernatural help of God, all we can do as human beings is evil. Even what we would think of as good is tainted by seflish motives and is condemned by God. We can even be convinced that we are right with God and find ourselves lost. What counts is whether we have a personal relationship with God. Whether we place our trust in Him and give him permission to lead us and to live within us. Apart from God we can’t do anything. (John 15:5)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” – Matthew 7:21-23
Will Humanity Ever Figure Out Poverty?
The majority of the world today lives in poverty. It certainly is one of the greatest tragedies of our times. This is especially true due to the fact that because of our modern technologies, no one should go hungry and no one should have to do without. There is certainly enough wealth to go around but unfortunately, a tiny few control 95%+ of the world’s resources and wealth. Why is this? The simplest answer is due to sin. Humans are naturally self centered and greedy. We crave power, control, respect and freedom. We are all natural hoarders.
Jesus prophesied that the poor would always be with us. “For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.” – Matthew 26:11. I can therefore confidently say to you that poverty can never be eliminated as long as we have corrupt, sinful natures within us. Only a complete reboot of our humanity will allow us to truly eradicate poverty once and for all. In order for that reboot to occur, Jesus Christ has to come back. When he does he will destroy the wicked with the brightness of his coming and take those who believe in him with him to heaven.
How can I be sure I’m part of the second group?
Put your trust in Jesus today. Tell him you are sorry for having lived your life in rebellion to him. Ask him to forgive you. Ask him to lead you and show you what to do. You can also ask him to lead you to people who can help you live out your new found life. Jesus loves you! Believe it! Read your Bible and talk to God as you would a friend. Let him know what’s on your mind.