Tuesday; November 1

A couple weeks ago, a friend of mine and I were analyzing the emotional impact violence was having on our nation, and on me as a person. In response to something he said I responded, “I wish I had manageable answers, but until humans realize the blueprint for what ails us is in the Bible, we will be left with questions.” As soon as I hit the “send” button I was struck by this observation. Two things stand out to me as we deal with the modern crisis of violence: First, the answer the problem is right in front of us – in the Scriptures. We are told to simply love one another and put others before our own personal interests. When we combine this with the concepts of forgiveness and tolerance peace is not only possible, it is also inevitable. While this is the good news, the other side of it is what is disheartening. Until we seek the answers in goodness and godliness, we are going to feel overwhelmed by the problem. All other solutions pale in comparison to being good, righteous people; so, without those principles, we are going to struggle. Human logic (such as looking out for Number 1 and survival of the fittest) is what got us into this situation to begin with, it is unimaginable that human wisdom will lead us out of it! I don’t know if God is punishing us for our disobedience as much as the natural consequences of ignoring His principles have had their natural consequences. While it is evident in our society, this has always been the way it has been. Centuries ago, an inspired writer of God observed, “And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful …” (Romans 1:28-30).

Until the world comes around to God’s way of thinking, let’s hold out hope that things can change and keep preaching a message that will promote that change – one soul at a time.

Think About It!

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