trinidad—
The island of Trinidad is the industrial hub of Trinidad and Tobago. It has many hard-working citizens, beautiful beaches and mountainous scenery. But what stands out most when visiting the island are the consequences of uncontrolled crime.

Residential buildings, businesses and schools have turned into fortifications. Instead of criminals, law-abiding citizens spend their days behind locks, gates and barbed-wire fences. Increased security measures lead to higher costs for groceries, housing and basic goods. Distrust deters investors and tourists, which leads to more poverty and thievery.

It is a vicious cycle.

Trinidad and Tobago has the world’s seventh-highest crime rate per capita. And it has recently seen a large influx of migrants from Venezuela, which has the highest crime rate in the world. The United States government advisory notes about Trinidad and Tobago:

Violent crime, such as murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion and kidnapping, is common.

Gang activity, such as narcotics trafficking, is common. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports and other public areas.

Our world depends on strong militaries, walls, gates and security guards to keep evil at bay. These measures are intended to protect people. But they do not end crime or solve society’s problems. Those without the privilege of living behind gates live in fear.

One can’t help but imagine how much more beautiful a country like Trinidad and Tobago would be if all criminals turned to productive labor and all innovative capabilities were directed toward constructive progress.

The Bible prophesies of a “land of unwalled villages” and people “at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates” (Ezekiel 38:11).

The gulf between today’s criminal nightmare and this utopian vision could be bridged if mankind would keep one simple guiding code: the Ten Commandments. Just one of these commandments would radically transform Trinidad: Thou shall not steal. Gates, barbed wire, locks and safes would be unnecessary. The cities and towns of Trinidad would radically transform, businesses would flourish, and tourists would stream in.

As the late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote in The Wonderful World Tomorrow—What It Will Be Like:

Can you realize that every unhappiness, every evil that has come to humanity, has been the result of transgressing God’s law?

If no one ever had any other god before the true God; if all children were reared to honor, respect and obey their parents, and all parents reared their children in God’s ways; if no one ever allowed the spirit of murder to enter his heart, if there were no wars, no killing of humans by humans; if all marriages were kept happy and there were no transgressions of chastity before or after marriage; if all had so much concern for the good and welfare of others that no one would steal—and we could throw away all locks, keys and safes; if everyone told the truth—everyone’s word were good—everyone were honest; if no one ever coveted what was not rightfully his, but had so much outgoing concern for the welfare of others that he really believed it is more blessed to give than to receive—what a happy world we would have!

To bring about this utopian transformation, a radical change in human nature is first required. The only thing holding many back from stealing today is the fear of getting caught. Remove that fear and many people start stealing. The reason, as the Apostle Paul explained, is that “the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Romans 8:7).

We have to get to the point where we no longer want to steal, but want to work productively so that we can give. This does not come naturally. Paul goes on to explain that it requires God’s Holy Spirit. This is what God offered to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, but they rejected it. Six thousand years of human history have shown that no other way works.

It is further revealed in the Bible that utopia will not come about until Jesus Christ returns to Earth to enforce His Father’s law with “a rod of iron” (Revelation 2:27). Only then will mankind learn that it is indeed “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Request your free copy of The Wonderful World Tomorrow—What It Will Be Like to learn how utopia will come at last.