In some ways, the world is a better place than it was a century or so ago, of course. I doubt, for example, if any of us would want to live in a world without cars or modern medicine or electronics.

But in other ways, the world is not a better place. In fact, in some ways, the world is getting worse instead of better. For example, it’s been said that in the last 100 years more people have died as a result of war than in all the previous centuries combined. Terrorism, famine and poverty threaten billions, and divorce, greed and child abuse tear at the very fabric of our society. Jesus warned that toward the end of the present age there would be an increase in wickedness (see Matthew 24:12).

What is the problem? The problem is that our moral and spiritual development has not kept pace with our economic and technological development. But the problem is deeper than that. The problem is within us — within our own hearts and minds. Jesus said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:19).

This is why we need Jesus Christ, because only He can change our hearts and take away our selfishness and greed. And some day He will come again to bring peace and righteousness to our world. In Christ there is hope! Have you given your life to Him?