Psalm 14:2-3 (ESV) -- The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.

G. K. Chesterton was a famous British journalist and author. He was a Christian. The London Times asked Chesterton and other well-known authors the question, “What is wrong with the world?” Their desire was to have each write a piece making a case for their answer. They expected long-form articles providing an argument for their position. Chesterton responded back with a brief letter stating,

“Dear sir, 

Regarding your article ‘What is wrong with the world?’

I am. 

Yours truly, 

G. K. Chesterton”

Our passage today demonstrates the accuracy of Chesterton’s answer. The psalmist writes, “The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.”

Nobody has godly wisdom or knowledge on their own. The LORD looks down from heaven and looks for any who seek God. He finds none. All have turned aside. All are corrupt. Nobody does good, not even one. Our flesh rises up when we read or hear that and we want to disagree. But the Scriptures are communicating a core truth: all of mankind are sinners. We all need God to open our eyes and hearts to His grace. Apart from His grace we are hopelessly lost. 

Chesterton nails the problem with the world…man. Sinners who have rebelled and strayed from God populate the earth and produce the problems we have and see. We need salvation through Christ alone to change our plight. Nobody can save themselves. We need God to rescue us. Having this healthy view of our problem and the necessity of God’s grace, makes us appreciate our salvation even more. It also helps us to understand why the world is so broken.

Reflection & Journal: 
- What is Chesterton communicating when he says he is the problem with the world?
- How does Scripture validate Chesterton’s claim?
- Why do we need God to intervene in our situation? Why are all in need of a Savior?

Sign up to receive our daily devotions in your inbox here!