Do you think the world is getting better or is it getting worse? My sister and I have this discussion from time to time, because she thinks the world is getting better and better, but I don't. We didn't lock our doors when I was a child, and now you won't even think of doing that. — Mrs. B.McD.

Yes, the world has changed, and in many ways it has become a more frightening place. The Bible tells us that "there will be terrible times in the last days" (2 Timothy 3:1)—and perhaps those days are upon us.

In some ways, of course, the world is getting better; we should all be thankful, for example, for advances in medicine and technology. In addition, the Gospel continues to be preached throughout the world, and in many places people are coming to Christ in unprecedented numbers. Jesus said that before His second coming "this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations" (Matthew 24:14).

But in other ways the world is not getting any better. Everywhere we look we see war, terrorism, famine, poverty, the AIDS pandemic and a hundred other devastating problems. Jesus said that toward the end of time both the good and the bad would grow up together, both gaining strength until God intervenes to separate them and judge all evil (see Matthew 13:24-30).

Why is this? Why can't we seem to solve our problems? The reason is within ourselves—within our own hearts and minds. Yes, the world is constantly changing, but the human heart remains the same—and that's why we need Christ, for only He can change our hearts. Have you opened your life to Him?