We Live In A Sick Society

Probably not the typical or expected title to a message from too many pulpits and one that can take many forms. The language by many of our youth today will use the word sick to describe something is thought to be good, cool or in style. Unfortunately, the sicknesses I am talking about are far from any of those descriptions. James (Jesus' half brother) talks about the sick in his epistle: Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil with the name of the Lord (5:14-15). What type of sickness was James referring to? Did he only mean physical illness? Or, was he also referring to both emotional and spiritual sickness?

As I was leaving the hospital this week after making a visit to a member of our congregation, I became very aware and somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of people in and around the hospital. Every time I go into a medical facility, I am reminded of the amount of physical sickness in our world. Some of the patients are young, some are old. Some appear to look healthy while others seem to be taking their last breath. Regardless, it is apparent that physical sickness does not discriminate. Ever since my career in law enforcement I have told people (from experience) anytime they feel they are having a bad day, to just simply walk through any random floor of a local hospital. It will not take very long to confirm how sick our society truly is and how fortunate you are to have good health.

Along with physical illnesses, our society is also struggling from emotional sickness. We are the most prosperous, blessed nation on earth while at the same time suffering the most from anxiety, depression and loneliness. We are over-prescribed and over-medicated and it starts with our children. Instead of truly connecting, investing and pouring into our youth, adults choose the "easy" route and simply medicate them. God help us for what we are doing to our children. Many of whom are not sick, but in need of parents and other adults in their lives who are willing and able to meet them where they are and work through the natural emotions of adolescence even when it becomes a challenge and interrupts those schedules we sometimes feel are too important to adjust.

Even greater is the spiritual sickness our nation is experiencing. We are raising children without Jesus in their lives. By doing so we are robbing them of the essential nutrients and strengthening Savior that can uplift them in times of trouble and confusion. We are weakening their bones and marrow by not preparing them for a world full of trials and tribulation. And, just when you think it could not become more concerning, many churches are prescribing "placebos" to the youth by only making church a fun social event. With that, comes a false sense of security that a child's salvation is secured because they attended Sunday School or participated in a youth group and enjoyed the games and activities.

Do not fool yourselves, we are living in a sick society and the only prescription with 100% curability is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ...

Pastor Aaron