In A Broken World

On September 10, 1509, a massive earthquake struck the city of Constantinople, claiming over 10,000 lives. Aftershocks continued for more than a month, and the tragedy became known as “The Lesser Judgment Day.” On that same date, over 500 years later, Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University. His death shocked and deeply saddened conservatives, while provoking cruel taunts from many radical liberals.

The following day, September 11, also marked profound tragedy. A lesser-known chapter of history reveals that on this day in 1857, Mormon settlers massacred more than a hundred unsuspecting pioneers traveling through Utah en route to California. After 2001, September 11 became synonymous with the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history, in which over 3,000 lives were lost.

It takes little reflection to recognize that we live in a dark and broken world. Some interpret this pain as evidence that there is no grand designer—only pitiless happenstance. Others view life’s struggles as a form of cosmic karma, inescapable and indifferent. Yet the reality is this: the world is as it is because sin entered into it. The fall of man proverbially “opened the door,” ushering in covetousness and corruption (Romans 5:12). The apostle John once declared, “...the whole world lieth in wickedness” (1 John 5:19b).

In the garden, Adam and Eve walked in glorious fellowship with God. Creation itself danced to the harmonious tune of worship. Yet in time, a choice was made—to turn away from the goodness of God and embrace the destructive nature of self-exaltation. Praise God that Christ came to reconcile us back into glorious fellowship with the Father! This world is broken, but in Christ there is restoration. This world is in darkness, but Christ is the light. Believers must remember His wonderful promise in John 16:33: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”