As many of the foundations of society crumble, what can we do? How can we avoid being distracted by unsettling changes and instead focus on the future?
Change.
It’s a simple word—but it packs a punch.
Depending on the issue, some argue for it. Others against. Some deny it’s happening. Others celebrate it.
Change is inevitable. As we age and mature, so many things change—our bodies; our preferences in food, fashion and music; our ideas of family and community.
Sometimes change happens on a massive scale. Everything can seem to change overnight. The destruction of the Jewish temple in A.D. 70. The implosion of the Roman Empire. The fall of the Berlin Wall. These events altered traditions, norms, expectations and plans on a grand scale.
It can be unsettling or unnerving.
We are living in a period of vast and significant change. The upheaval and unrest across cultures can bring uncertainty and anxiety. How should Christians respond?
David’s conundrum
Psalm 11 presents King David pondering this question.
After opening with a bold statement of faith, “In the LORD I put my trust” (Psalm 11:1), David then addresses those encouraging him to run, flee and hide.
“How can you say to my soul, ‘Flee as a bird to your mountain’? For look! The wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow on the string, that they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart” (verses 1-2).
David’s assessment is bleak. Unnamed enemies were secretly targeting and planning attacks on the upright.
Then David poses a gut-wrenching question. “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (verse 3).
Which foundations?
David was not referring to eternal truths, laws and commands or the unchanging character of God. Those foundations cannot fundamentally be moved, shaken or destroyed.
We live in a time when many societal foundations are being assaulted and, in some cases, destroyed.
The way society values, approaches or even tolerates these foundations is a different story.
While Psalm 11 does not offer specifics, David was apparently considering the foundations of society—the communal bonds and practices that enable cohesiveness, a sense of connection and stability.
Every society or culture will have its own foundations. When those foundations weaken, shift or are destroyed, it presents a dilemma for citizens.
Several shared foundations are being rapidly eroded in our modern societies—especially in the West. Consider these:
- Marriage and family: For millennia, the family structure has been the bedrock of social order. Yet across cultures—especially in Western society—this foundation is shifting and being undermined.
- Law and order: Most functioning civilizations rely on an accepted protocol of law and order. Even if the official system is flawed—as is common in corrupt regimes—the general populace has a working understanding of how justice is administered. Across much of the West today, the national systems of law and order are being eroded.
- Civility: The cultural expectations of courtesy, respect for parents and the elderly, and deference to those in authority are quickly disappearing from society. Road rage and general vulgarity illustrate this decline.
- Morality: Many societies have a generally understood moral expectation of citizens. In practice, concepts such as honesty and integrity are being weakened and dismissed.
- Traditional world order: Many historical allegiances that offered a degree of world stability are shifting.
What can the righteous do?
If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?
This remains a relevant question for Christians in progress. Let’s examine four appropriate responses.
1. Stay close to God.
This should be a natural response for Christians.
However, chaotic, high-stress, disorienting times can shake this foundational relationship.
Physical senses can overwhelm spiritual perspective. The incident in 2 Kings 6:11-17 illustrates this. Elisha’s servant was overwhelmed by the physical army surrounding his village. In that tense moment, the servant needed and received a miraculous reminder of God’s presence.
The destruction of foundations creates a time of vulnerability. Christians may experience pressure and perceive a push to compromise or abandon the faith.
One key to successfully navigating monumental periods when foundations are crumbling is to strengthen our relationship with God.
This has always been true. Consider Esther’s response when the Jewish people faced annihilation. “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise” (Esther 4:16).
Esther’s response to the destruction of foundations was to solidify her relationship with God. This is done through prayer, study, meditation, fasting and fellowship. For an in-depth exploration of these practical tools, download Five Tools for Spiritual Growth.
2. Maintain righteousness.
What can the righteous do?
The question’s focus is on those David calls the righteous. Admittedly, Christians aren’t perfectly righteous, but our lifestyle and worldview should be aligned with God’s. Examine “How to Be Righteous” for more information.
By God’s grace and through faith, Christians in progress can be righteous. This requires an intentional submission of our thoughts, desires and actions to God’s will and direction.
Jesus exhorted His followers: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). The context addresses worry about physical protection, food, clothing and shelter (verses 25-32).
Jesus directs Christians to remain in a state of ongoing growth—seeking God’s righteousness.
Satan, the adversary of those who would follow Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:8), will try to use chaos and confusion to disorient Christians, battering away at truth, conviction and faith.
In situations where cultural, social and political foundations are destroyed, it may be increasingly difficult to practice righteousness.
During such dark and foreboding times, the light of a Christian’s obedience to God will seem brighter and draw more attention. Such attention can be daunting.
Paul reminded Christians in Rome, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Foundations may crumble around us, but Christians in progress should continue to pursue righteousness.
3. Strive to live peaceably with everyone.
When social or cultural foundations crack or crumble, humans often begin to accuse and attack others. Violence becomes common. Horrors such as the Rwandan genocide in the 1990s and ongoing violence in Myanmar offer a decidedly sobering glimpse of how quickly human society can deteriorate.
Paul, writing to the congregation living in Rome during the reign of Nero, reminded Christians to strive for peace. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).
The phrase live peaceably means to actively cultivate peace in an ongoing, continuous sense. We should proactively facilitate peace. Christians will nurture peace, tending and keeping it. We will strive to create an environment where peace thrives.
This admonition is repeated. “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God” (Hebrews 12:14-15).
Despite distressing injustice and evil in society, Christians should strive for peace. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
4. Cling to the other Christians.
When social and cultural foundations are being eroded, Christians should deepen and strengthen relationships with other faithful followers of Jesus Christ.
One gift Jesus offers His followers is the safety and security of the Church of God (Matthew 16:18). For more information on the Church of God, see our booklet Where Is the Church Jesus Built?
The Church of God—described as the Body of Christ—is to be woven and knit together (Ephesians 4:16). This organized group of believers offers encouragement, support and community. When foundations are destroyed, Christians can benefit from the stability offered by a congregation (Hebrews 10:24-25).
As Christians in progress, we have a duty to enhance and increase godly fellowship. This includes approaching one another with humility, affection and generosity (Romans 12:10-13).
Foundations are crumbling
We live in a time when many societal foundations are being assaulted and, in some cases, destroyed. Times like these are precarious and can expose vulnerabilities for the people of God. If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?
David responded with some encouraging observations. “The LORD is in His holy temple, the LORD’s throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men” (Psalm 11:4).
Take courage, knowing that God remains faithful. Justice will come at the hand of God (verses 5-6).
David concludes with a vision of the future for those who faithfully endure unsettling times. “For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face” (verse 7, English Standard Version).
To read more about the incredible future offered to the human family, review “The Purpose of Man.”
As Christians in progress, let’s avoid being distracted by unsettling changes in society and culture. Instead, let’s use these four points to keep our focus on the wonderful future God promises.
