"The Sky is Falling" and the "New Normal"

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come (2 Timothy 3:1).

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars:

see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass,

but the end is not yet (Matthew 24:6).

A man in a huge truck runs over adults and children, who were enjoying fireworks in Nice, France. The comment on the news? “We need to get used to the new normal. These attacks are going to happen.”

There's rioting and police killings in the United States. The comment on the news? “I’m afraid this is the new normal.” The comment on social media? “The sky is falling!” (Not exactly in those words, but there were lots of doomsday responses.)

A teen takes an axe onto a train in Germany and kills some, wounds many more.

The truth is:

• There are horrendous things happening all over the world today.
• You really can’t know when a catastrophe might affect you and your family.
• You can’t depend on politicians or governments—anywhere—to be completely truthful and aboveboard.
• Information is shared very quickly these days. You can know about killers almost as soon as they finish doing their crimes.
• There is nothing new about the world today. It is “normal,” but it’s not a new normal. It’s the same old sinful world as it has always been.
• The sky isn’t really falling, and it won’t until the very end of the earth. (See 2 Peter 3:7.)

Truths from the Bible:

• Every day, you need to be prepared for eternity. Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth (Proverbs 27:1). For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).
• Your trust should be in the Lord. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
• Your thoughts should be different. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you (Philippians 4:8-9).
• Jesus’ return is imminent. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not (Luke 12:40).
• There is hope in Jesus. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work (2 Thessalonians 2:26-17).

We don’t need to tolerate or get used to murders and tensions and wars. They’re not a good "normal.” If we can do something about it—especially prevent it—we need to do that. Anyone in a position of leadership needs to work towards a better world. The rest of us need to be vigilant and vote for leadership that will try to protect the citizens of the country where we live. We need to help our communities, show God’s love, and be lights to the lost. We need to share the gospel, so that hearts and lives will be transformed.

Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

(Matthew 5:14, 16)

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel . . .

By which also ye are saved . . . For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins

 according to the scriptures; And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

 (1 Corinthians 15:1a, 2a, 3-4)

The sky isn’t falling, and we don’t need to get used to any new normal. God is still on the throne, in charge, and cognizant of everything going on, everywhere in the universe. Let’s trust Him—and spread the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ to everyone we can!