Democracies Breaking Down
By Hal Lindsey
Democracy depends on people getting along in a reasonable manner. Where tried, it has mostly worked — at least until recently. What’s different now? Attitudes.
In our generation, people have come to love primarily themselves and their money. They are increasingly boastful and proud. They scoff at God. Obedience to parents has come to be seen as weird. Ours is a generation that lacks gratitude for the amazing blessings given by God. That includes the blessings bequeathed to us by the imperfect people who went before us.
We live in a time when nothing is seen as sacred. In fact, the most influential among us brag about their irreverence. We are becoming a society that does not love — does not even know what love is — and does not forgive. Slander has replaced journalism. To our generation, self-control signals weakness. Our time is full of cruelty. People hate what is good. Betrayal is a way of life. Recklessness is praised. Our educational system does not teach basic knowledge and learning skills. Instead, it teaches children to overcome knowledge deficits with conceitedness and arrogance. It is a time of love for pleasure rather than love for God.
But this does not represent the end of religion. In fact, these are very religious times. People often brag about their “spirituality.” But they reject God.
In case you didn’t recognize it, you have just read a loose translation of 2 Timothy 3:2-5 — verses that explicitly detail the “perilous times” of “the last days.” Look at those verses in the New Living Translation. As you read, think about how predictable it is that democratic forms of government will break down in the last days.
“People will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT)
Across the world, democracies are in trouble and these verses tell us why. In the last few years, but especially the last few months and weeks, democratic governments have become increasingly dysfunctional. It started a long time ago, and final destruction could be a long way out. But cracks in the foundation are becoming chasms. And it’s hard to stand strong against a storm when you stand on a broken foundation.
The United Kingdom and Israel illustrate the problem. Great Britain is the oldest democracy on earth. But with the unprecedented battles over Brexit, it has become a democracy at war with itself.
Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. The people there agree on more issues than at any time in decades. But they’re struggling. After the April election, Prime Minister Netanyahu was unable to form a majority coalition. They’ll try again with another election on September 17. Psalm 122:6 admonishes us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” This is a good time for such prayer.
I won’t take time to talk about the state of democracy in the United States, Mexico, the European Union, or the nations of Central and South America. And the truth is, it’s not just democracies. Governments of all kinds are struggling.
As the Bible prophesied, the last days are becoming more and more perilous. When people focus increasingly on self, human institutions and their protections tend to break down. For a follower of Jesus, that means double down. Put your trust in Him. That’s only scary until you remember His immeasurable power, His perfect track record for keeping His word, and His amazing love for you.
