Among the presidential election and what seems like an exponential amount of violence in our country, I think we can all agree on one thing — something is wrong. I think we can all agree that there needs to be change.
We all feel passionately about change that needs to happen or has recently happened. Race, religion, privilege, immigration, gun control and LGBT all seem to be topics that come to mind.
So what is wrong with America? US Our pride.
American citizens, we are the problem
Eighty-three percent of Americans identify themselves as Christians.
Let me preface this by saying that I am a Christian. (Just keep reading)
What does Christianity mean to me?
That someone paid the ultimate price for my sin and that I am saved by faith through grace alone.
I have someone who loves me so very much, knowing that, feeling that, makes me want to please and follow Him. Christ’s love is something I want to share with others. Not because I have to, but because I want to. I know that in the grander scheme of things living a life to serve and love others is ultimately the best use of my time here.
Why are we the problem?
Because we are inherent to sin, and we have this amazing gift called free will. But so often we use that gift to be prideful and choose the wrong things. The way I see it you have two options — to serve God in what you do, or to turn from him. And when you don’t choose God, the devil wins. No matter how big or small the issue, it doesn’t matter, there is no “in between” choice in my book. I don’t say this to condemn or make you feel hopeless. There is hope! Because God sent his son to die and be the sacrifice for our sins, and if we could live a sinless life, then his death would have been meaningless.
The question becomes not if we sin, but how do we handle it?
Do we humble ourselves and make a conscious effort to avoid it (sin)? Do we, as an imperfect human being, spread the love to others? Or do we choose freely to indulge in what is wrong, because it is easy?
Our conflict and disagreement in America does not come down to politics, race, religion, guns or privilege.
This is a sin issue.
Oh my dear friends. This is so much more than “America’s” problem.
This sin issue is in every human all around the world.
No act of violence, government, finger pointing, name blaming or act of self-righteousness will ever solve our problems. We already have the solution, and we choose to ignore it. Let us set aside our pride and learn how to love each other as we share the gospel with our actions.
I am proud of where I am from, but when I find my citizenship in America and not with the heavenly father, I become prideful. So who am I to let my pride get in the way of determining who is or isn’t worthy for me to share this love with?
Let us love each other with the purest and most understanding love we have — as an example of Christ’s love for the church and his children.
“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” (1 John 3:18 NLT)
Loving each other requires so much patience.
Especially when you disagree.
That is because the love we should practice is an action, and not an emotion.
Don’t love each other only when you agree and share beliefs, because that is usuallyan emotion-based love.
Love each other when you disagree, and when you can’t stand each other. That is an act of love.
And if you still cannot muster it up, because your disagreement is just that big.
Love each other because of whom you serve and His commandments for you.
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8 NLT)
Do you see that? Most important of all. Not second to skin color, religious view, political party, country of origin, sexual orientation or background.
Love was never promised to be easy or self-satisfying. It’s an act of sacrifice, like the sacrifice Christ made for you and me. When we find our sense of security in the country we belong to, and not in our Maker, that is when we are in trouble. Let us stop dividing, and instead come together. Spread the truth and freely give what has freely been given because that is the answer we are looking for.
It starts with you. It starts with spreading the good news to loved ones, friends, colleagues and community through acts of love and truth. That is how we will fix our country, our continent and our world. Take action, and be the change.
xxx
Thanks, and God Bless.