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In the article, "Imagine Such a World," we envisioned a world of perfect peace and abundance -- one everyone would dream of, with life full of good things.
You might think such a world could never exist, but it can, and it will. Let's consider how and the part you can play in making this a reality for you, your family and mankind, giving your life purpose, meaning and energy.
First, though, let's think a moment about what makes this world the way it is.
Is it lack of technology or education? Is it an environment not fit for mankind to live in? Is it because God didn't give us the prowess, skills, talents and an earth that could be worked with, developed and molded into something that can benefit everyone?
Or might it be that the world is the way it is because of mankind's character -- the way we do things and the reason for that?
Might we consider that "human nature" is what makes the world an unfriendly place? Could it be that man is deeply selfish, envious, prideful, violent, vindictive, unfaithful, contentious, unwilling to work with others unless it's his "own way"? (See Galatians 5:19-21.)
The previous article imagined a world in which even the animals will live in perfect peace with each other and mankind. What must change for that to happen? Yes -- the very nature of the animals will need to change from one of predation and conflict to one of getting along with all other species.
This is also meant to reflect what is needed in human society.
The problem that holds humankind back -- that keeps us from having peaceful, unifying, productive, loving societies in every region around the world -- is who man is, the human nature in all of us.
This problem goes all the way back to our first human parents in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve sinned and came under the influence of Satan the devil -- a choice they made, as has all humanity since.
Just think what people have done to each other down throughout history. They have killed each other, hated each other, committed unspeakable atrocities and inflicted unbelievable torture on each other, sometimes in the name of religion, always in the name of selfishness, jealousy or a quest for power or to take from someone else to have for themselves.
Mankind's governments and leaders have been responsible for murdering many millions in the name of their ideas, their "truth." How many have died in wars over the course of human history, all fought in the name of "I want that"? (See James 4:1-2.)
It was not God's desire for mankind to live this way. We have all suffered the consequences of wrong choices.
Even in marriages designed by God to bring about joy, fulfillment, and happy children and families, people yield to their own lusts. Sexual unfaithfulness and perversities emerge, ruining families and creating chaos. Children are left with emotional scars that last for a lifetime, and they learn not to expect or hope for a better time.
Man's nature is responsible for the heartbreak, misery, suffering, and emotional and mental illnesses that result from the injurious treatment of fellow man, with people satisfying their own desires while lacking concern for their victims.
Such is the reality of our world.
So the question is, what will it take to bring about a new world filled with happiness, harmony and abundance for all?
That world and its benefits are available and attainable, but there must be action from you.
The world becoming the utopia that it will be requires loving leadership dedicated to providing the right resources and training for the well-being of all people.
There is one Man who loved mankind so much that He gave His life for the sake of everyone. He and His followers pointed to the better world He wanted people to enjoy -- a time of refreshing and restoration of all things good.
That Man knows the way to a better world. He knows what real truth is, and He knows the way to a life that is full and rewarding for every man, woman and child, regardless of background, ethnicity or place of origin. There is no partiality with Him. He indeed is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
If you can imagine the perfect leader, it is Jesus Christ, and He has already proven Himself to be the right Man for the job.
He will return to earth as He promised (verses 3-4). For now, He remains in heaven with God the Father, waiting for the Father to send Him back to rescue human beings from the sure destruction they would otherwise bring on themselves under the sway of Satan.
The apostle Peter called on people to repent "that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:19-21).
Jesus will not initially be welcomed by a hostile world but, as foretold, will teach people and lead them into healing, liberty and righteousness: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to comfort all who mourn . . . that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord" (Isaiah 61:1-4).
Ultimately God the Father, through Christ, will bring an end to human woes: "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4).
Do you hear what Christ will do when He returns to this earth? He will bring about a transformed world. But it necessitates a change of human nature. Only through changing what man is on the inside can the surrounding world experience the peace and fulfillment God has promised.
It starts with belief in Jesus Christ, which includes submission to God and His ways, accepting His sacrifice and committing to follow God in true repentance and baptism, after which God will give His Holy Spirit, making us partakers of God's very nature (Acts 2:38; 2 Peter 1:4). In that future age, God will pour out His Spirit on the world at large (Joel 2:28). God's Spirit in us leads to love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness and the other spiritual fruit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.
But you don't need to wait for that time, because you can experience that joy, purpose, peace and fulfillment now, before Christ returns and restores all things to this earth.
How is that possible? Christ Himself tells us what we need to do: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15).
Repentance has a deep meaning that most churches in this world do not adequately teach. You need to know what Christ said and meant if you want to experience what God wants us to have and enjoy. To learn more about what Christ said about repenting, download or request our free study guide Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion.
Continue to imagine; continue to believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is true, and it truly is the hope for a better future for all mankind!
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