The Bible certainly urges us to train our children in the right way; if we don’t, the next generation will end up in almost certain chaos. The Bible tells about a time in ancient Israel when families failed to do this — and the result was chaos because “everyone did as he saw fit” (Judges 21:25).

But even our best efforts won’t make our world perfect, and the reason is because something is wrong inside us — within our hearts or souls. By nature we are self-centered, and no matter how much education we have, that selfish, prideful streak remains within us. Some of Hitler’s closest advisers were highly educated — but that didn’t keep them from ordering the murder of millions of innocent people. The Bible condemns the man who “flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin” (Psalm 36:2).

Does this mean we have no hope of a better world? No, not at all. For one thing, God can replace our selfishness with His love. When we come to Christ, God Himself comes to live within us by His Spirit, and as we submit our lives to Him, He begins to change us. Have you asked Christ to come into your life and begin to change you?

In addition, the Bible says that someday this world will be perfect — when Christ comes again to establish His Kingdom of love and justice. He alone is our hope — both now and in eternity.