The Solution to Our Problems
John D. Telgren


I was looking at some old pictures the other day. It is amazing how much styles change over the years. I could not believe I was looking at a picture of myself. There I was, sporting a pair of brown bell-bottoms with cuffs, and long, shoulder-length hair.

Many of us have lived long enough to see a tremendous amount of change in the world we live in. From spaceships to appliances, everything is always on the move in our little world. It is amazing to see the advances we have made in medicine, technology, and science. Tons of hours and money have been put into research in order to advance the sciences with the hope of making our world a better, happier, and safer place.

Then comes news about this murder or that robbery. Images in the news of heartbroken and angry people sitting in a court room seeking justice. Stories of war and conflict around the world. And it seems only to get worse with the passing of time. What has happened? With all our advances, you would think we would be above this sort of thing. Has science failed?

Hardly. Science and technology by nature cannot deal with the causes of these symptoms. Violence and greed are symptoms of a deeper problem that science cannot solve. This is not a problem of technology, but a problem of humanity. The only way to solve the human problem is with a human solution, not a technological one.

There is such a solution. Jesus Christ existed from eternity (1 John 1:1-3). Through him the world was made (Colossians 1:16). The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ became human (John 1:14). He partook of our humanity (Hebrews 2:14). As a result, he has rendered Satan powerless. For those who have been saved and sanctified, Satan no longer holds us in bondage. Since we are empowered by his spirit, we put to death the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:13, 26). Among the deeds of the flesh are things such as enmities, strife, jealousy, and disputes (Galatians 5:20). But through the Spirit Jesus grants to those who trust and obey him, we put to death the deeds of the Spirit and bear the fruit of the Spirit which includes things such as love, joy, peace, patience and kindness (Galatians 5:22).

As the kingdom spreads, so does love and peace. Those of us who have placed our lives in trust and obedience to God can look forward to the ultimate solution. Peace and safety with God in Heaven (Revelation 21-22).