16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

— 1 John 2:16-17

For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,”

— 1 Corinthians 3:19

21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts.

22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,

— Revelation 1:21-22

17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.

18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.

— Ephesians 4:17-18

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

“Chase your desires and follow the latest trends.” “Find your own truth and create your own identity.” “Unrestrained pleasure is the cure for stress, conflict, and boredom.” “Contributing to your family’s reputation defines your worth.” “Fulfillment comes from following cultural traditions.” Different cultures offer confounding versions of what marks a successful life, yet the world seems more chaotic and desperate than ever.

Is this quest for self-determination the cure for the world’s chaos and pain or the cause? Does anyone really know what is true? Does a supreme being exist, or is religion just a mythical crutch for needy people? The Bible reveals the root of this world’s confusion: humanity’s mutiny against God. Intentional rebellion against our Creator has fractured our relationships with Him and one other. People’s sinful nature blinds them to God’s evident presence in creation and hinders their way to the only true and living God and the eternal salvation He has promised.