The more I read scripture, the more I see we face the same
temptations and challenges spanning 2,100 years since the time of Christ. 1
Timothy, Chapter 1 says this (and I paraphrase): Do not devote yourself to
myths that promote speculation. Our charge is to love from a pure heart, good
conscience, and faith. The law is for all in accordance with the gospel of
glory. For all have sinned and fallen
short of the glory of God. Jesus saved us sinners, that through his mercy he
might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe
in him for eternal life.
We live in a time when the media, political parties and extremist
groups want you to believe we are in tremendous upheaval. Facts matter only to
prove a specific narrative and are shaped to support a specific view. There is
a phrase I use when I teach, “70% of statistics are made up on the spot.”
Preferences are masquerading as principles. Truth is relative. How you feel
is the basis for establishing a baseline for what is right, true, and
honorable. The fallen world is turned on its head, again.
The media does not report the news but runs stories on each
other to fill the 24-hour news cycle. Political parties are no longer
interested in issues and compromise. They take up causes and if you do not
align with that cause, you are the enemy. Extremist groups wage war against
each other, showing up to protests to yell, fight and kill each other. Social
media trumpets and howls at all of this with no interest in sharing viewpoints,
driving people further apart. We think we have influence on social media when
algorithms determine what we see, hear, and read. For the gate is wide and the
way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. (See
Matthew 7)
So what is our responsibility as Christians? Philippians
4:4-9 says it best and I quote this time:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice. Let your
reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious
about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about those things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen
in me – practice these things, and the peace of God will be with you.”
In the end, it all comes down to sin. Sin demands justice.
Yet, part of justice is a willingness to forgive and be open to reconciliation.
That is grace. For the person sinned against, it is the narrow gate and the
road to it is an uphill climb.
Paul describes this in 2 Corinthians 6: 1-10:
“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to
receive the grace of God in vain. For he says,
‘In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of
salvation I have helped you.’
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of
salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found in
our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way; by
great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamites, beatings, imprisonments,
riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience,
kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of
God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor,
through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as
unknown and well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not
killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as
having nothing, yet possessing everything.”
Christian brothers and sisters in Christ, be encouraged. You
stand in the gap and endure scorn and suspicion and yet you are strong in
perseverance and truth. Stand firm and know the Holy Spirit dwells in you and
will lift you in this time of turmoil.
