What’s Wrong with the World

Jesus entered Jerusalem hailed as a king. The Jews believed he was the leader who would save them from Roman oppression, but He had other plans. He came to free souls from sin, to fix internal issues, not external threats.

I can see the value of changing hearts rather than circumstances. Violence and hatred will not cease as long as humans embrace sinful thoughts, desires and actions. If each person changed internally, accepting God and His values, the world would change. But Satan will never allow that.

The Greek word for devil is dia-bolos, “one who divides.” The evil spirit promotes division, isolation and discord. “For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and power, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.” Ephesians 6:12.

Jesus, The Great Unifier, promotes oneness, peace and reconciliation — selfless service to others, especially to those most vulnerable. Imagine a world which actually lives the precepts of the Christian faith. But that too is an illusion as along as we live in this broken world.

“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” From What’s Wrong with the World by G. K. Chesterton.

Lord, I pray for our world, our country, our leaders, our families. Open our hearts and minds to your holy will. Amen.

 

In God's Hands

Photo by Gerd Altmann at Pixabay

With the holiday season starting next week, our expectations and disappointments rise. Who doesn’t want the traditional Currier and Ives's holiday surrounded by a loving family? But no matter how hard we try, some people will not respond to kindness and friendship. Misunderstandings, mistrust, opinions and differences in beliefs lead to rejection and discord. Even Scripture warns us of enmity between family members, friends and community.

Even so, the pain is still there, clouding our days, particularly during the holidays.

Jesus told us to forgive not once, but seventy times seventy. It’s for our own health even if it’s not reciprocated. So, we forgive and receive no response from the other party. What then?

In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father stood ready to welcome his wayward child, but he didn’t go searching for him. He waited for his son to return and ask for forgiveness. Jesus didn’t chase people down the street and beg them to listen to him either.

The same applies to us. No chasing after people who do not want a relationship or are toxic to our mental and physical health. With prayer we let them go, placing them and our expectations in God’s hands. What better place to leave them?

Dear Lord, you see the hurt and the pain of this broken world, and you weep with us. But we wait in hope, because through you all things are possible, even the melting of stony hearts. Amen.