Obviously, our world suffers from a long list of problems and challenges today, some of which are new, although others have been with us as long as the human race has been on this earth. Poverty, war, racism, addictions, economic and social injustice, ecological disasters, famine, disease — the list is almost endless.

But beneath most of these is a far deeper problem, and that’s the problem of the human heart. What would the world be like if there were no greed, jealousy, anger, covetousness, or any of the other sins that infect the human race? What if we truly loved one another, and treated each other with respect and compassion? You know the answer: The world would be a far better place.

But we don’t live this way, because down inside we put ourselves first instead of others. Instead of seeking God’s will for our lives, we ignore Him and disobey His moral commands. Like a deadly spiritual disease, sin has infected our hearts and minds, cutting us off from God and from each other. 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 we need Christ, for only He can forgive our sins and change us from within by His Holy Spirit. May you have the courage to give your life to Him, no matter what others do. Then may God use you to make our world a better place as you seek to live for Christ every day.

Find peace with God today.