Q: What do you think is the biggest problem facing the world today? We’ve been having a discussion about this in our Bible class at church, but we can’t seem to agree.
A: The biggest problem facing the world today is the same as it always has been: the human heart. The Bible puts it bluntly: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
Think about it a minute. If we could only get rid of our pride and selfishness, we’d have a perfect world. We’d live in harmony with each other, and we’d no longer have conflicts or wars. Hatred and jealousy would end, and instead we’d be motivated by love and compassion and mutual respect. We’d already be living in the perfect world that the Bible promises: “Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4).
But these destructive emotions have been in our hearts from the beginning, and no matter how hard we try, they still rule our lives—and our world. Terrorism, violence, crime, drugs, corruption, broken relationships—the list is almost endless. The Bible says, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? (James 4:1).
This is why our greatest need today is what it’s always been: to turn to God for the forgiveness and new life we need. And this is possible because God loves us, and Jesus Christ gave His life for us. We live in a dangerous world, and our only hope is to turn to Christ and submit our lives to His transforming power. Have you committed your life to Him? Jesus’ promise is true: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” (John 14:27).
