The adversity of the early 20th Century produced one of the greatest generations of people ever seen. People who were thankful for food, respectful, and ready to help others. But look at what prosperity has brought us:
My generation is the first generation to be less intelligent than their parents.
Other’s life has no meaning (abortion, murder, etc.)
In the early 20th century, a child would earn $40,000 before they reached the age of 18. In the 1990’s, a child will consume $80,000 in food and materials.
Adversity
1) Death (7:1)
It reminds us of the reality of what’s important.
2) Sorrow (7:2-6)
Refinement
3) Righteousness that becomes enflamed in indignation toward injustice (7:7)
4) Patience (7:8-14)
Don’t long for the good old days. Deal with the here and now.
v. 13 – Reflect on what God has done. Could you have done it better?
v. 14 – We can’t know what the future holds, so we trust the one who has made it.
