Scripture provides a glimpse of what a society without God looks like. A society might either choose to accept or reject the precepts of God.
Consider the following examples found in scripture of entire societies engaging in wickedness where it displeased God.
Sodom and Gomorrah are a well-known example of a society riddled with sin. They engaged in sexual immorality and perversion and were “sinning against the LORD” (Jude 1:7; Genesis 13:13).
Despite their sin being ‘so grievous,’ Abraham pleads for the city to be spared if a certain number [50] of righteous people were to be found (Genesis 18:20 -25). The Lord, who is patient and desires for all to repent and turn from their evil ways (2 Peter 3:9), agreed with Abraham’s plea to spare the city if they found fifty righteous people. Abraham then requested the Lord to spare the city if they found forty-five, forty, thirty, twenty, or ten righteous people (vs. 18:20-25). 28-32).
The Lord destroyed the city because ten righteous people could not be found (Genesis 19:24-29). Lot and his two daughters were the only ones saved on that day because his wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:15-26).
Another society in which wickedness was rampant among its citizens was Nineveh. As a result, God was ready to destroy them if they did not repent. So, God commissioned Jonah to preach to them (Jonah 1:2). Despite their evil ways, God still had compassion and wanted that society to be saved. Proclaiming that his people should stop their evil ways and acts of violence, the King of Nineveh ensured God would spare them after hearing Jonah’s warning. The people heeded the King’s request, so they escaped destruction (Jonah 3:6-10). Nineveh’s example showed how choosing to live righteously before the Lord spared a godless society.
Both our wicked society and the entire world will face punishment on the Day of judgment. Each of us will have to give an account of the things done here on earth (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 16:27). On an individual level, to be right with Christ, one must put to death the sinful earthly nature (Colossians 3:5; Mark 7:21; Romans 6:13). If we do not, Romans 8:13 reminds us that if we live according to our fleshy nature we will die, but if by the Spirit we ‘put to death’ that which is sinful, we will live.
A mind that is ruled by the flesh will lead to death, but a mind controlled and led by the Spirit will result in life and peace (Romans 8:6). Romans 6:23 is a familiar passage and states clearly that the ‘wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ Sin has grievous consequences; it will cost us our souls if we continue living in it.
I hope and pray we truly understand the severity of living a sinful life and seek God’s help in turning away from it. I pray that even though society disregards the will of God, we will find the courage to stand up for truth and that God will recognize us among the faithful on judgment day (Philippians 2:16). Trust in God and remain steadfast until the end, and when our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ appears, He will find you blameless (1 Corinthians 1:8).
I want to ask you to consider the words of the hymn once more, which we usually sing as an invitation song. It is called “Unprepared To Meet Thy God.” I urge you to reflect on its words once more, reminding us that tomorrow is not guaranteed to any of us (James 4:14), and therefore, let us always be prepared to meet our God!
Careless soul, O heed the warning,
For your life will soon be gone;
O how sad to face the judgment
Unprepared to meet thy God.
Careless soul, why will you linger?
Wandering from the fold of God?
And your life is spent in folly?
O prepare to meet thy God.
Careless soul, O heed the warning,
For your life will soon be gone;
O how sad to face the judgment
Unprepared to meet thy God.
Hear you not the earnest pleadings
Of your friends that wish you well?
And perhaps before tomorrow
You’ll be called to meet your God.
Careless soul, O heed the warning,
For your life will soon be gone;
O how sad to face the judgment
Unprepared to meet thy God.