Reflections on Living in Uncertain Times and the Value of Biblical Truth
If you’ve ever wondered about the times we’re living in—maybe you’ve heard people talk about “the last days”—it’s natural to feel a mix of curiosity, unease, or even urgency. Regardless of where we are in history, one thing is certain: what you know and believe about God truly matters.
Let’s start with a simple, powerful truth from the Bible: God says, “My people perish for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). That’s a pretty blunt warning, and it’s as relevant now as ever. In plain language, this means that not knowing God, His ways, and what He says can actually hurt us—both now and in the future.
Why Does Knowledge Matter?
Knowledge isn’t just about having facts in your head—it’s about understanding what’s true and important, especially when it comes to faith. Hosea’s message was originally directed at people who were drifting away from God. They were ignoring what God had taught them, and even the leaders—the priests—weren’t doing their part to pass on the truth.
When people forget or reject the things God has shown us, the results aren’t good. The Bible warns that this kind of ignorance can lead to spiritual decline, confusion, and suffering. It’s like walking through life without a map—sooner or later, you’re going to get lost.
“Perish” Isn’t Just About Death
The word “perish” in Hosea 4:6 is serious. It means more than just dying physically; it can mean losing our way spiritually, becoming disconnected from God, or letting our lives fall apart because we don’t have a solid foundation. We might end up making choices that hurt ourselves or others simply because we don’t know any better.
Believing in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit: Why It Matters
It’s not enough to just “sort of” believe in God or to go through the motions of religion. The Bible talks about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as real, living, and active. What you believe about them shapes how you live, think, and treat others.
– God is described as a loving creator who wants a relationship with you.
– Jesus is presented as the one who bridges the gap between God and people. He shows us God’s love in action—especially through his life, teaching, and sacrifice.
– The Holy Spirit is God’s presence and power with us, guiding, comforting, and helping us live in truth.
When you know what you believe—and why—it gives you strength and clarity, especially when life gets tough or the world feels uncertain. It’s like having an anchor in a storm.
Consequences of Ignorance
If we ignore or forget God’s truth, we risk more than just being uninformed. The Bible says that both leaders and ordinary people suffered when they rejected knowledge. Instead of helping each other grow closer to God, they ended up encouraging one another to make poor choices, which led to even more harm.
Even today, we can see how not knowing—or not caring about—what’s right can lead to personal struggles and broken communities. The message is clear: what you know, and especially what you believe about God, matters deeply.
What About Today?
This isn’t just ancient history. Hosea 4:6, and similar verses like Proverbs 29:18 (“Where there is no vision, the people perish”), remind us that knowing and seeking God’s truth is vital—now more than ever.
In a world full of opinions, voices, and distractions, it’s easy to get lost or settle for shallow answers. But God invites us to dig deeper—to search, to ask questions, and to build our lives on what’s real.
Final Thoughts
Pondering the times we live in might feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Start with a simple prayer or an honest conversation with God. Ask questions. Seek out what’s true about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit—not just what you’ve heard, but what you’ve come to believe for yourself.
Remember, God’s desire is not for you to wander in confusion but to live with purpose, hope, and understanding. “My people perish for lack of knowledge”—but you don’t have to be one of them. Seek the truth, hold on to what is good, and let your beliefs guide you into a deeper, more meaningful life.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 