The first all-time-low point of mankind’s civilization was in the time of Noah, builder of the Ark. Sounds like he was living in times a much like our own – lots of meanness, corruption, and violence. “The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil.” (Gen. 6:5, NLT) Thus the flood!
How did Noah cope with those extremely corrupt, ill-mannered, and violent people of that day? How do you suppose they felt about him? With 99% of the world population at that time, being described as wicked and being filled with violence, they could easily have declared Noah a religious nut or narrow-minded bigot. But how did God feel? “Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.” (Gen. 6:9, NLT) Another inspired writer calls Noah “a preacher of righteousness” and that “Noah warned the world of God’s righteous judgment.” (2 Pet. 2:5, NLT)
In a day of “herd-mentality” and mindless-nothingness, Noah stands out as a man of integrity and great courage – a unique individual in so many good ways.
“The techniques and skills that really make a difference in human interaction are the ones that almost naturally flow from a truly independent character… proactive, centered in correct principles, value driven and able to organize and execute around the priorities in our life with integrity.” -Stephen R. Covey
“Being happy is enviable, but being good is truly admirable – it requires character, integrity, and perseverance.” – Mark Sanborn
-John Driggers (10/23/2023, V5 #43)
