Utopia!

When we look at society today, we have a large contingent of individuals (organizations/political parties) fighting for what they perceive as inequalities in justice, wealth, gender, politics, and human rights. They have a strong desire to change America from what it is today, to a more far left, liberal culture, a culture where morality is defined by people (not by God) and based on feelings (not a legal system as we understand it today). Many of these people look at socialism and Marxism as a possible answer on how to run a society. They think, if only America can be free from class struggle, wealth inequality, laws condemning certain behaviors, and from the capital elitist (white privilege), then society would be a more utopian place to live. Utopia is defined as a place of ideal perfection, especially in laws, government, and social conditions (Merriam-Webster). These individuals truly believe that if they strip away the limited free market economy in the United States driven by capitalists, then the world would be a much better place. But is this true? If America drives out God and its current legal system, and strives to become more socialist or a Marxist, will society be more utopian? This is what the liberal far left would like you to believe!

I would suggest that things would only get worse. If you look at Russia, China, and many other places on earth that have tried to implement a socialist or Marxist society, you can see how these ideologies work (not a utopia). But to be frank, I have not seen people leaving the United States to move to either of these countries because they are a utopian place to live (the fact is, people are coming from these nations to America). Why, one might wonder, if that system works so well.

So, how do we achieve a utopian society in America? Is it even possible?

Well, as many have witnessed over the last year or so, those who desire change have rioted, burned down buildings, killed each other, and tried to cancel the opposing culture by whatever means they can. How has this been working? Yes, some will submit (to the loudest voice/violence), but many others get angry, and start plotting how they will get even (look at Congress today). Those who desire a utopian society may believe that by changing the government, eliminating class struggle, having equality in wealth, intimidating others, using violence when necessary, silencing other voices, and electing people like themselves, is the way to change. But, we need to remember that this approach has been tried time and time again, and never works. Political system will change, people will die, wars will end, but we will wind up right back at where we started from (people hating people and wanting what others have).

If we look at history for some advice, it might suggest that when people take God out of the society, break down the legal and governmental systems, it is a good indicator that we are headed toward a fascist ideology, which is in direct opposition to a utopian society.

What is the best approach to solve this very complex issue? I would suggest that one way we can approach this problem is by not eliminating God from society, but focusing on the values Jesus Christ taught. Why would I bring Christian values to the table? Because if we start from this very basic standpoint, it helps us to understand many of the issues we are facing today, and how to solve them, without violence.

If you look at why many people want to eliminate God from our culture, change our government, and change our legal system, you start to understand the reasons behind their actions. The Bible addresses why people want to do this, for example:

2 Timothy 3:1-9 (NIV). But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People

will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to

their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-

control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure

rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have

nothing to do with such people. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and

gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all

kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the

truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the

truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are

rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly

will be clear to everyone.

Does this sound familiar? Do we see the folly in our modern times? I know I witness tremendous folly each time I look at or read the news.

Galatian 5:19-21. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Living without the principles of Jesus Christ in our lives drives an emptiness/chaos that each individual tries to fill in different ways (to create their utopia). They think eliminating God from society and implementing socialism/communism will help. But do they help? They believe if they can eliminate class struggle, inequality in wealth, change the legal system, that this will somehow give them the utopia they are looking for. But in the end, it only leaves one emptier than when they started (no utopia here). Those who do not have Jesus Christ in their live can be so angry, and will clamor for the peace and hope that only Jesus can give. They tear others down, they are relentless in their pursuit of evil desires, and if you ask them why, they might suggest that they disagree with you, they hate you, they do not believe in Christ, or a multitude of other reasons. But, they are still not at peace, and do not understand why (again, they struggle with finding utopia).

With all this said, the real question that needs to be answered is what can help all people find the utopia they are looking for? I would suggest there is only one way, and that is the way of the Cross, and believing in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Let us look at the Bible for some answers that can help us find Jesus and true peace (the utopia everyone is looking for).

Romans 5:1-5 (NIV). Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV). Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Christ followers, Christianity gives us the answer (we do not need to seek a utopia from others). We need to let our Christian light shine brightly for all to see! Help non-believers understand the peace you have following our Lord and Savior!! That the utopia ideas from the far left will not work and never will (no matter how badly they want it). But, let people know that Jesus Christ is alive and well. Help them bridge the gap from confusion about Jesus Christ, to accepting Jesus Christ in their life (Share the Gospel)!!! There is no greater gift you can share with anyone! And this approach covers all political barriers, ideologies, and philosophies, and provides joy, peace and hope (JESUS IS THE UTOPIA)!