The World's Messed-upness and What Do We Do About It

I've been thinking about this quote:

Certain new theologians dispute original sin, which is the only part of Christian theology which can really be proved.  G. K. Chesterton

In other words, Chesterton is saying that, contrary to what some people may argue, by nature all men sin, and the universality of sin is easily proven.

We see evil every day - lying, cheating, and stealing.  Sadly, sometimes sin occurs in a horrific manner; the recent mass shootings come to mind. 

And the news reports about any violent incident always include talk of injustice, racism, conspiracies, and the like.  Bottom line - people know something is wrong with this world.  

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.  Romans 8:22

The question that follows from Chesterton's quote and from people's complaining is, "What do we do about it?"

Amidst all the arguing, it seems that everyone has an idea of how to fix things.  But what they're really saying is, "The world would be better off if it's run the way I think it should be run, if things are done my way."

I'm not against progress or making things better.  But, but, but...the arguing, the blaming, the fixing...well, it all reminds me of how we break the First Commandment.

We look around at the world, at the situations, at our lives, and we want the world to run as we think it should.  We want to be God.  I want to be God.  I want to fix things.

And we're all guilty.  Chesterton is right, in so many ways, about man's sinfulness.

But the truth is, we can't fix it.  I can't fix it.   

However, once again, Christianity has the answer.  It has the answer to how we respond to the evil we see and what we do with our own guilt.

When we see evil in the world, we recognize it for what it is - a consequence of man's sinfulness.  And we look to our God to make things right again.

The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.  Psalm 103:6

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Psalm 46:1

Jesus brings truth, comfort, and strength to us in this life.

And, for our sins, our guilt, our conscience?  

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities...As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.  Psalm 103:10, 13

Sin is with us; it's not going away.  But in Jesus, we have hope for the life to come.  So, we confess, we receive forgiveness, we forgive, we love, we pray.  And we wait...

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.  Philippians 1:6