Understanding a Biblical Phrase and Its Modern Relevance
If you’ve ever heard someone say, “We’re living in a crooked and perverse generation,” you might wonder what that really means. It’s a phrase from the Bible, but its meaning goes far beyond ancient times—it’s actually a powerful description of what happens when society drifts away from what’s good, true, and right. Let’s break down this idea in plain language, explore its roots in the Bible, and see how it still matters today.
Where Does “Crooked and Perverse Generation” Come From?
The phrase pops up in several places in the Bible, including the teachings of Moses, Jesus, Paul, and Peter. Each one uses it to describe a group of people or a whole society that has lost its moral compass and turned away from God’s way.
· Deuteronomy 32:5 – Moses talks about a generation that’s gone corrupt, calling it “perverse and crooked.” He’s pointing out how far people have wandered from God’s instructions.
· Matthew 17:17 – Jesus calls out a “faithless and twisted generation” when His followers struggle to understand and believe.
· Philippians 2:15 – Paul tells believers to live blameless lives “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,” and encourages them to shine as lights.
· Acts 2:40 – Peter warns people to “be saved from this corrupt generation,” putting the spotlight on how society can slip away from God’s ways.
What Does It Mean to Be “Crooked and Perverse”?
In everyday words, a crooked and perverse generation is one that’s morally mixed-up, confused about right and wrong, and often indifferent to the truth. Crooked means bent out of shape, not straight, and perverse means stubbornly going the wrong way or doing what’s clearly not good.
Some of the main characteristics include:
· Moral corruption: People ignore basic principles of honesty, kindness, and fairness. Lying, cheating, and selfishness become normal.
· Twisting truth and virtue: What’s right is called wrong, and what’s wrong is called right. The lines blur between good and bad.
· Lack of faith and understanding: There’s little belief in something greater, and people struggle to see the bigger purpose in life.
· Spiritual apathy: Many don’t care about spiritual things or finding deeper meaning. The focus is often on short-term pleasure or material success.
How Does This Apply to Today?
Look around, and you’ll see some of these traits in the world now. You might hear about moral relativism (the idea that everyone decides for themselves what’s right or wrong), ethical compromise, and even spiritual laziness. Things that were once considered harmful or shameful, like dishonesty, broken relationships, or ignoring commitments, are often accepted as normal. People talk about living in a “post-truth” era, where emotions and opinions count more than facts.
Some examples that people point to include:
· Divorce and remarriage: These have become common, even when it means breaking promises and hurting families.
· Alternative lifestyles: Society increasingly celebrates choices that go against traditional values, and anyone who disagrees is often criticized.
· Lack of respect for authority: Disrespect for parents, teachers, leaders, or laws is widespread; “do your own thing” rules the day.
· Ethical shortcuts: Cutting corners to get ahead, ignoring rules, or excusing bad behavior as “just the way things are.”
In times of deep political division, an administration that persistently sows discord rather than fostering unity only widens the chasm between its people and erodes the foundation of collective progress.
This isn’t to say that everyone is bad or that all change is wrong—many changes reflect growth in compassion and justice. But the phrase “crooked and perverse generation” is about recognizing when society as a whole moves away from truth, goodness, and the values that build people up.
What Are Believers Supposed to Do?
The Bible doesn’t just label the problem—it gives advice for how to respond. Paul, in Philippians 2:15, says believers should “shine as lights” in the darkness. That means living in a way that’s noticeably different, showing love, honesty, and purity, even when it’s unpopular.
· Be distinct: Don’t blend in with everyone else if it means turning away from your values. Stand out by making choices that reflect integrity and kindness.
· Shine as lights: Show others what it means to live a life shaped by real goodness—helping those in need, forgiving, telling the truth, being generous.
· Reject negative ideologies: Don’t just go along with ideas or practices that clash with what you know is right. Stand firm, even when it’s hard.
What Does This Look Like Day to Day?
Let’s say you’re at work and everyone’s gossiping about a colleague. The easy choice is to join in, but shining as a light means keeping quiet, or even speaking up for that person. Maybe you’re tempted to fudge the numbers to make yourself look better—being a light means being honest, even if it costs you.
If your friends encourage you to act in ways that go against your beliefs, you can politely refuse and explain why. You don’t have to condemn or judge others, but you can be clear about your values and stick to them.
Staying Blameless, Not Fault-Finding
Philippians 2:14-15 encourages believers to do their work “without murmurings” (complaining) or arguing. In simple terms: do your best, don’t grumble, and avoid unnecessary conflicts. The goal is to be blameless—not perfect, but sincere and trustworthy.
Depending on God’s Grace
Another key point is that believers are called to “work out your salvation,” but it’s God who gives the strength. Doing the right thing isn’t always easy, and nobody can do it alone. Faith and effort go hand in hand; God’s grace is what makes lasting change possible.
Shining Like a Lighthouse
Think of a lighthouse on a dark coast—it warns ships of danger and points the way home. That’s what a faithful life can do in a world that’s lost its way. When you make choices that reflect honesty, compassion, and courage, you help others see what’s possible and inspire them to look for deeper meaning.
Why Bother?
You might wonder, “Does it really matter if I try to live differently?” The Bible’s answer is yes. Even if the world seems dark, your example can make a difference. You might never know who’s watching, but by living out your faith, you offer hope and a better way.
· People are often searching for real answers, even if they don’t say so.
· Your courage to stand apart can encourage others to rethink their choices.
· Living with integrity builds trust and respect, which can ripple out to families, workplaces, and whole communities.
Final Thoughts: Light in the Darkness
We live in a time where it’s easy to blend in, go along with the crowd, or give up on higher ideals. But the call to “shine in a crooked and perverse generation” is more than old-fashioned advice—it’s a challenge to bring something real and good into the world. Even if many claim to be part of a “Christian nation,” what counts is what’s visible in daily life. Actions speak louder than words.
So, in layman’s terms, being part of a “crooked and perverse generation” means living in a society that’s lost sight of what’s truly good. But you don’t have to go along with it. By choosing truth, kindness, honesty, and faith, you become a light in the darkness—a guide, a hope, and an example to others. If you keep pressing forward, depending on God’s grace and doing your best, your labor won’t be in vain.
No matter how dark things seem, let’s try our best to shine.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 