It is no secret that all around us, society has gotten worse overall as compared to God’s standards of a healthy society. Not only is there a rejection of Godly principles, but we now see widespread hostility toward them. This is the result of what has become a sick society. There are seven signs to know that we are living in a sick society.
What is a sick society?
Referring to society as sick is not referring to the source of the problems we see as being medical in origin. Instead, we should think of the term sick society as relative of a society that is not healthy. Spiritually speaking, it is a society that does not reflect the attributes of God as seen in the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. Instead, a sick society reflects the sinful lusts of man as found in Galatians 5:19-21.
What are the seven signs to know about a sick society?
We find the seven signs of a sick society in Psalms 101. In this Psalm, David lists in song lyrics the things that he will and will not do to address God’s mercy and judgment (Psalms 101:1). The seven signs are as follows:
1). Psalms 101:2. I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
The first sign of a sick society is the breakdown of the family home. There is a lack of any Christ-centered influence in the home. This has led to broken homes and a generation of children being raised without a father in the home. This has also led to a whole host of detrimental issues like poverty, underage pregnancies and other issues that have created problems for each generation and their children.
2). Psalms 101:3. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
The second sign of a sick society is one that reflects the massive influence of a culture that seeks after worldly things that appeal to humanistic lusts at the expense of holiness. This involves a media that not only rejects Christ-centered values, but actually embraces outrageous behaviors and openly mocks anything Christ-centered. Media stars are more well known for their latest lewd behaviors or nude pictures. Everything from the music, entertainment, clothing styles, and popular activities constantly fills the eyes and ears of the youth and shapes their world view. This world view then causes division and strife, while pretending to be inclusive and tolerant.
3). Psalms 101:4. A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
The third sign of a sick society is one that reflects a froward heart. The word froward is similar to the word frown and communicates the idea of a society that is unhappy. The people are never satisfied or grateful for what they do have, but instead suffer emotionally from their focus on what they do not have. Those who work hard and play by the rules that become successful are maligned as having gained their success at the expense of others. The froward then use this as an excuse to exercise and support wickedness.
4). Psalm 101:5. Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
The fourth sign of a sick society is one that is unmerciful, unforgiving, self-centered, and prideful. The people of this society believe that they are superior to others and other’s opinions are offensive. They quickly call for the ruin of other people’s lives and judge their motives and difference of opinions as unacceptable. They believe that being offended or the expression of opinions contrary to their own as reason to slander and even physically attack those they judge to be wrong.
5). Psalm 101:6. Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
The fifth sign of a sick society is one that is divisive and unfaithful. The people of this society actively belittle those who openly profess Christ and stand for traditional Biblical values. Christians are labeled as being filled with hate (hatred) and should be made to accept ungodly values. If the faithful person refuses to engage in their ungodly activities, they are sued and forced to comply or put out of business if they are business owners.
6). Psalm 101:7. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
The sixth sign of a sick society is one that embraces deceit and lies as acceptable if the reason for doing so is culturally acceptable. There is no black and white. Right and wrong is based on the situation and the belief that each person can do what they believe is right in their own eyes. Anyone who dares to challenge this believe based on logically argued merits is labeled as being judgmental and bigoted.
7). 101:8. I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.
The seventh sign of a sick society is one that has no tolerance for Christ-centered values being used as a foundation for society or government. Instead, they work to eradicate the very principles that gave them the freedom to live according to the dictates of their conscience. Justice and fairness is sacrificed for lawlessness based on feelings, public opinion and political correctness. Wickedness is tolerated and even promoted as being the definition of tolerance.
What does God’s Word say about how His people should address a sick society?
The answer is also seen in each of these verses as things that David claims he will do as follows:
- First, he will behave wisely in a perfect way (Psalms 101:2).
- Second, he will set no wicked thing before his eyes or engage in activities that embrace wickedness (Psalms 101:3).
- Third, he will work hard and be thankful for what God has given him and avoid negativity and discontent (Psalms 101:4).
- Fourth, he will not become prideful and self-centered (Psalms 101:5).
- Fifth, he will live his life in a way that brings honor to God and stand on his faith in all matters (Psalms 101:6).
- Sixth, he will stand on the principles of right and wrong according to God’s Word (Psalms 101:7).
- Seventh, and finally, he will do all that he can to ensure that wickedness is not allowed to prevail in perverting justice and fairness (Psalms 101:8).
Summary
Society has gotten worse overall as compared to God’s standards of a healthy society. There are seven signs to know that we are living in a sick society. However, focusing on God’s Word and living a Christ-centered lifestyle pleases God and will positively influence some others to do the same.
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Resources – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, King James Version. Williams, Michael L. (2013). “Preaching: Psalm 101 The seven signs of a sick society”. Retrieved from Wisdom4Today, http://wisdom4today.org/preaching-psalm-101-the-seven-signs-of-a-sick-society/
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