“The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

Genesis 6:5 (ESV)

Each January when I go to the gym, I notice that it is packed with people. The treadmills and ellipticals are occupied as are the strength-training machines. People begin the New Year with noble goals and great ambitions. But by February it is a different story.

I am one of these well-intentioned souls. I am determined to lose weight, exercise more diligently, and generally form better habits. But despite my noble efforts, the scale barely moves. Why is it so difficult to consistently do what we know we ought to do?

This is the human condition. It is the consequence of sin and death entering the world through Adam. Over the next ten generations, things went from bad to worse. Men became increasingly wicked and violent to the point that every intention of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. God felt sorry that He even made man. Therefore, He decided to destroy the people whom He had created.

Do you see parallels with what is happening in the world today? Jesus said that in the last days lawlessness will abound and the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). He also compared the days of Noah with the time immediately before His Second Coming.

“And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.”

Luke 17:26–27 (NKJV)

In the days of Noah, people became so wicked that God had to bring judgment. This is how it will be just before the Day of the LORD when God judges the earth.

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”

Genesis 6:8 (NKJV)

One man stood out from his evil culture and found favor with God. It is the same today. Despite widespread lawlessness and rebellion, God still bestows grace on people who stand out from the world and believe in Jesus Christ. Just as He saved Noah and his family from impending judgment, so He wants to save you!

“Heavenly Father, thank you that your eyes range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are loyal to you. Help us to stand out from our culture and guard our hearts from conforming to the values of the world around us. Help us to find favor with you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”

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