When good happens in society — a government is fixed, slavery is abolished, or minorities given equality — is God secretly at work? Over the centuries we’ve seen some amazing positive changes in our nation and around the world — plunging infant mortality rates, improved health, lengthening lifespans. We’ve seen the abolishment of some of the most inhumane practices. Of course, the world remains a fallen, hostile place, but what role does God play when we see these types of positive social changes? It’s a question to you, from a listener named Jim. “Pastor John, hello! When something huge and good happens in a society — like a faulty government system is fixed, or slavery is abolished, or minorities are given more equal treatment, or anything of the like — is God secretly at work in that moment inspiring things to happen? What is God’s role in positive social changes?” Episode 1254: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-part-does-god-play-in-positive-social-change Related Resources: “How Does God’s Sovereignty Not Violate Our Decision Making?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ja6IX3A_MZM “When Should We Vent over Social Sins?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGs5artxMZE “Three Threats to the Joy of This Generation” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r97V7ox0n0o “Should Christians Partner with Non-Christians on Social Issues?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLbbF2LzdoQ “Social Evils and Reformed Theology” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2hX_d4b2wo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKvMOJ1T8T4&list=PLFF7F6AE365DA3564