The
problems of our civilization, the issues we face require supernatural
intervention. The basic problem of our world is a spiritual one. The
undermining issue is that sin is attempting to invade every area of
human habitat. As I contemplate the evil around us and the blatant
attack by Satan on the family of God, I struggle to find words to
describe what I am feeling and what I feel God wants me to share. A
single word comes to my mind, spoken as clearly as in any
conversation you might have. The word is “nefarious.” I believe
this word describes the moral climate of our world.
Merriam-Webster
defines “nefarious as flagrantly wicked
or impious :
evil,
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable.”
Synonyms
black,
dark,
evil,
immoral,
iniquitous,
nefarious,
rotten,
sinful,
unethical,
unlawful,
unrighteous,
unsavory,
vicious,
vile,
villainous,
wicked,
wrong
Related
Words base,
contemptible,
despicable,
dirty,
disreputable,
evil-minded,
ignoble,
ill,
infernal,
low,
mean,
snide,
sordid;
atrocious,
cruel,
infamous,
nasty;
blamable,
blameworthy,
censurable,
objectionable,
obscene,
offensive,
reprehensible;
corrupt,
debased,
debauched,
degenerate,
depraved,
dissolute,
libertine,
loose,
low-minded,
perverted,
reprobate,
scrofulous,
sick,
unhealthy;
cursed
(also
curst), cussed,
defiling,
noxious,
pernicious,
pestilential,
ugly,
ungodly,
unwholesome;
banned,
barred,
condemned,
discouraged,
forbidden,
illegal,
interdicted,
outlawed,
prohibited,
proscribed,
unauthorized,
unclean;
disallowed;
execrable,
lousy,
miserable,
wretched;
errant,
erring,
fallen,
unprincipled,
unscrupulous;
improper,
incorrect,
indecent,
indecorous,
naughty,
unbecoming,
unseemly,
vulgar;
dishonest,
dishonorable
The
connotation of this word describes the very essence of life in a
disobedient and rebellious world. I truly believe that this is the
way that God sees the hearts and conduct of fallen man. It reminds me
of Genesis 6:5, “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was
great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts
of his heart was only evil continually. 6And
it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it
grieved him at his heart. 7And
the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face
of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the
fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.”
God
saw that the wickedness of man was great. Every imagination and
thoughts of his heart were evil continually. So, God determined that
He would destroy the evil. To destroy the evil, He would destroy man
from the face of the earth. God hated the evil so the evil had to go.
Genesis 5:8, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
9...Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and
Noah walked with God.” Noah stood out as different in an evil
world. He was a just man and perfect in his generations and Noah
walked with God. He was different because he walked with God. He did
not fit the nefarious, evil, immoral climate of his day, therefore,
God prepared a way of escape from what was coming upon the world and
also secure His plan to perpetuate the human race on earth.
I
am convinced that the evil, sinful state of mankind is a stench in
the nostrils of God. Proverbs 13:5, “The righteous hate what is
false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on
themselves.” NIV. Where God has desired the sweet smelling savor
of the sacrifice of obedience and submission to Himself, He has
received disobedience and rebellion. But as in the days of Noah, God
is looking once again at the state of human affairs. I believe that
His heart yearns for all men to come to Him and be embraced by His
love. The Holy Spirit continues to draw men to Him and all who come
in repentance will receive forgiveness. But those who refuse and
rebel will be turned into eternal darkness.
No comments:
Post a Comment