From My Perspective - - -

One of the experiences we would all like to avoid is encountering corruption – yet – in one form or another, we have all encountered it to some degree. Corruption is a 14th century word that was used in reference to material things, especially regarding dead bodies. It also had a spiritual application in terms of the soul and morals. In current times, we have had a glimpse of it regarding Governments, Businesses, Sports and Churches. Some have the idea that the wrong thing can be done in plain sight and the brightest daylight – but – that no one will notice or care. It is frequently rationalized by use of the trite notion – “well, everyone does it.” It is a breakdown of the moral fiber of a culture that has been nurtured with a marked imbalance of permissiveness, promiscuity and narcissism. It has allowed for an evolving climate where “everything/anything goes” and “no one is responsible for their actions.”

Two words that describe the climate of our times and that seem to go hand-in-hand with each other are Corruption and Decadence. Corruption focuses on the diminishing of moral standards and equivalents; depravity; and the perversion of integrity. Decadence focuses on “the act or process of falling into an inferior condition or state; deterioration; decay;  moral degeneration or decay; turpitude; unrestrained or excessive self-indulgence.” The synonyms are: “degeneration, retrogression, decline.” Some historians, namely, Edward Gibbon, held that the fall of Rome can be attributed to internal decadence. Gibbon “…placed the blame on a loss of civic virtue among the Roman citizens. They gradually outsourced their duties to defend the Empire to barbarian mercenaries who eventually turned on them. Gibbon considered that Christianity had contributed to this, making the populace less interested in the worldly here-and-now, and more willing to wait for the rewards of heaven. The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the causes of destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and as soon as time or accident had removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric yielded to the pressure of its own weight…”

Five summary points have been offered and referenced over the years in terms of why and how the decline and fall of the Roman Empire occurred: 1) Increased number of Divorces resulting the undermining of the sanctity of the home; 2) Higher Tax Rates and the redistribution of wealth as money was spent for bread and celebrations; 3) the ever-increasing craze/demand for pleasure – sports events becoming more brutal and exciting with each passing year; 4) the building and amassing of larger and more potent armaments that would allow for defense and domination (more so than the M.A.D. concept – Mutually Assured Destruction); and 5) the indifference toward and the decay of religion – faith becoming more form than function – and ultimately becoming impotent. The time-frame for The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire was – 476. The application is both obvious and timeless – the historic narrative could almost be used as an overlay and description of the culture and society of the 21st century.

The Bible instructs and warns one regarding the dangers of decadence. Galatians 6:7-8, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” Those who have ignored the Gospel and the advantages of it in terms of corruption, become those who would entice others to a godless and hopeless lifestyle. In II Peter 2:19, “They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” The only hope and the only help is in and through Jesus Christ. In II Peter 1:3-4, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” Don’t be among those who are deceived – identify with those who have been delivered by God’s Grace and Power. Consider these things with me!