Root Causes

Philosophers, sociologists, theologians, and politicians have had their turn at explaining why we have problems and how to fix them. It is ironic that simultaneously some want to blame one problem on root causes while avoiding the root causes of others.  Many problems have a beginning with some standard that was either twisted, ignored, or outright transgressed.

From a biblical position, problems began with one question, “Did God really say that?”  In Genesis, the devil masquerading as a serpent tempted Eve by causing doubt in what God had commanded.

In my brief existence, I have seen many of the standards of the Bible first questioned, then doubted, then ridiculed as antiquated, and eventually opposed while embracing the opposite.  And we wonder why our world is in a mess?

God formed a standard building block for society when He created the family.  He created a man and a woman after He had created an environment for them and told them to multiply, populate the earth, and take dominion of the creation (see Genesis 1:27-28).

We have many problems because we have veered from the root of God’s standard in so many areas of life.  The root cause of many problems is because we have deviated from God’s standard.

When Jesus was questioned concerning the greatest commandment, He responded by saying, “You shall love the Lord Your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. / This is the first and great commandment. / And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39 NKJV).

If the common man to the elite rulers of the world used the above scriptures as their guide and rule of life, many societal problems of the world would melt in short order.

If a neighborhood is filled with folks who love their neighbors as themselves, just imagine how safe they would be.  If governmental leaders loved all their citizens more than they loved power and money just imagine how benevolent and just the government would be.

I know, I know the so-called enlighten ones may think this muse is one from a simpleton and religious fool.  Yet, if people honestly search out the root causes of many problems, they will find a futile mind of someone who thought they were more enlightened than the God who created light. 

“Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. / Professing to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:21-22 NKJV).

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt

Pathway Outreach Ministries