"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will."
Romans 12:2
Selfish ambition. Greed. Violence. Debauchery. Idolatry.
These strong words are often called "woes" in Scripture. Yet they easily describe much of modern culture.
Things haven't changed much. God used these same terms to describe ancient Babylon when He spoke to the prophet Habakkuk.
Selfish Ambition (Habakkuk 2:4–5): A society driven by wealth and status, where corners are cut and relationships crumble. From social media influencers to corporate executives, the pursuit of success can tempt people to sacrifice integrity and even harm others along the way.
Greed (Habakkuk 2:9–11): The Bible calls this coveting: an envy so deep it breeds resentment. God took this sin so seriously that He included it in the Ten Commandments.
Violence (Habakkuk 2:12–14): Babylon was infamous for brutality and power. Sadly, our world is still marked by bloodshed and conflict.
Debauchery (Habakkuk 2:15–17): This word means excessive indulgence in pleasure. For Babylon it was drunkenness. Today, it is seen in sexual immorality, drug abuse, and the opioid crisis devastating communities.
Idolatry (Habakkuk 2:18–20): Babylonians bowed to images of metal and wood. Today's idols are less obvious but just as dangerous. Careers, relationships, money, hobbies, or anything else we put before God can take His place.
Though God originally addressed Babylon, His words speak clearly to us. Ask Him to reveal which "modern-day woes" might be growing in your own life. With His help, you can uproot even small seeds of sin before they take hold.
Then follow Paul's counsel: refuse to conform to the world's pattern and invite the Lord to transform your mind through His Word.
You will never regret it.
