America, we have a problem.
Our nation has become consumed with division and hatred.
It is sad to observe, but it is not surprising when you see the trends. People are moving away from faith, and in it’s absence, there is a loss of moral compass.
People don’t treat each other the way they want to be treated. Instead, they now tread people badly before they are treated badly by others.
It’s a battle of wills.
A battle of pride.
A battle of self.
And God is not surprised by it either. He foretold it through Timothy nearly 2000 years ago.
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
In the midst of this present conflict of worldviews, how should we live?
Don’t feed the hatred.
We must not allow our emotions and insecurities to control our behavior. We need to restore civil discourse, where we can speak honestly without mischaracterizing opposing viewpoints. We must “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Not letting the defense of our positions be driven by pride. But instead, sharing the truth in our hearts out of compassion for the other person. The focus must not be about “being right,” but it must be about “being real.” It’s not about winners and losers in an argument. It’s about the transformation of the heart.
Leave a trail of light.
We all leave a trail. The words we speak and the things we do have an impact on people every day. Plant seeds of truth, that will leave a trail of fruitfulness and life for those who surround you.
Pray.
Earnestly seek God, and pray that He would first change your heart. And that He would give you wisdom to let your words be “always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)
America, we have a problem. Contrary to what you hear on the news, our problem is not politics. Our problem is in the center of our souls.
We will not change the current condition by complaining or casting judgement.
Instead, we will leave a positive impact when we “do not conform to the pattern of this world.” (Romans 12:2). Live differently from the world today. Live out the characteristics of faith in Christ that set us apart from the natural patterns of this world.
Live a life that is full of Grace … Mercy … Faith … Hope… and Love.