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Historians differ on the date when the ancient Roman Empire fell; but most agree on why it fell. Socially, it declined as people craved leisure, illicit sex, and ill-gotten money. Work ethics declined as people used more foreign made products. This led to higher living costs. The gap between the rich and poor caused civil unrest and violence. This fragmented empire paved the way for foreign nations to overrun and conquer the empire. Most experts agree that it all began with internal moral decline. God knows that immorality has a huge influence on society’s stability. That is one reason the Bible urges us to live right and be just and fair-both personally and corporately. In Galatians 5, the Apostle Paul lists some of the wicked deeds to shun: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, and wild parties.” He then tells us how to avoid them: “Living by the Spirit is the key to conquering sinful desires and pleasing God.” Based on this fundamental truth, he goes on to say, “Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” So to preserve our society, we must focus on conduct that pleases God.
