It is present, even though we do not always notice. Those who practice it do everything possible to hide it; however, sooner or later, the effects appear.
Unfortunately, it is part of the society in which we live. Frequently, the means of communication disclose scandals that break out in governmental or business spheres, blemishing the image of institution leaders. At times, we ourselves confirm the painful reality of corruption in our own experiences.
According to the Global Corruption Barometer 2007, elaborated by International Transparency, the perspectives are not encouraging. This public opinion poll that heard sixty thousand people in sixty countries reveals the increase of this tragedy in practically every continent. Approximately one in every ten people throughout the world has paid bribes last year. The practice of bribery takes place especially in interactions with the police, the judiciary system and registry and permit services.
According to the poll, half of those interviewed – a number significantly higher to that of four years ago – foresees that corruption in your country will increase in a short time. Additionally, the same percentage of interviewees feels that the efforts of their governments in the struggle against corruption are inefficient.
Corruption has destructive effects. It shocks institutions, corrodes ethics, depreciates justice, hinders supporting social/economic development and weakens the validity of the law.
Is there hope in the face of this wave of corruption? Corruption has its origin in the selfishness of the human heart. To eliminate it, the transformation of the individual is necessary, and only God can do this. Only Christ can forgive the evil that we have practiced in the past, fill us with his self-denying love and help us to live to serve our fellow human being. All that He asks is that we repent from our sins, confess them humbly before Him, giving our life to obey Him from now on.
God can grant us strength to be honest in all circumstances, even when the majority is doing the opposite. His transforming power is available to us, with the purpose of substituting our egoism and our ambition for His sympathetic love.
Unfortunately, not everyone accepts this power, because not everyone wants to change. God respect the freedom of the human being and does not obligate anyone to live honestly. Finally, a time will come, however, when justice will be served, because “God is a just judge” (Psalm 7:11, NKJV). Jesus promised that He will return to Earth in glory and majesty, “and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” (Matthew 16:27).
The Second Coming of Jesus will put an end to corruption, because it will destroy those who prefer to live with selfishness and for this reason refuse the divine offer of forgiveness and transformation. At the same time, the Lord will gather together those who have accepted His salvation and will take them to the Eternal Kingdom of God, where justice shall reign.
The increase of corruption shows us the nearness of Christ’s Second Coming. The Apostle Paulo warned that, “In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous” (II Timothy 3:1, 2).
You do not need to be discouraged, even if impunity reigns momentarily. Stay steadfast on the side of what is correct and wait patiently for the coming of the Lord. Christ will soon return!
Carlos A. Steger
