So we easily can let ourselves be led astray. It’s so easy to give way to anger or despair and forget to seek the way of Christ.
There are, no doubt, some Christians who will see the recent political events of our country as part of a countdown to the end of the world. Don’t be fooled. Jesus has already told us these things will always be happening. In our most dire moments God’s will for us is still life.
It is easy to give way to fear and anger, and easier still to give way to despair and apathy. Yes, the temple was destroyed and very few stones were left on stones. But what happened afterwards was the flourishing of new kinds of faith which didn’t depend on geography or architecture. Christians and Jews discovered—the real dwelling place of God—is within us.
We can’t be led astray. We must believe that every ending is a beginning. If every church in America were to close tomorrow, Christ would still live within the hearts of the faithful. Polling statistics and punditry to the contrary, I don’t believe the American church is dying. It is being resurrected in a new form. I just hope I live long enough to see it.
As we look around at this crazy world let’s not look for signs of the end. Jesus didn’t come to snatch us out of our troubles. Jesus came to walk with us and be within us through all our conflicts, doubts, fears, elections and earthquakes. Jesus wants us to know that on the other side of terrifying change there is hope and possibility. So, let’s not be led astray. Let’s continue to practice kindness.
My wife is attending a shower event for her niece who is expecting her first child. Most interesting, the new mom already knows she will give birth to a healthy baby girl when the time comes. She and her husband have chosen the name “Callie.” Most unusual, but the origin of Callie is from the Greek and means “beautiful.’
It is interesting that despite the messes of our life, the way we are feeling after the election, the doubts and fears we are stressing about. This couple has chosen life and to give this new life a home in their hearts. Yes, there will be lots of trails and fears to raise a baby girl in a society that looks down on women and treats them with disrespect. This little baby girl is born of love and the love of her parents will teach her about God’s love for all genders. Even in the worse of times, the love of God will prevail. My blessing to Caitlin and Bobby the parents of Callie that their little one brings them much joy and happiness.
A Confirmation student recently said the most remarkable thing about waiting for the end times: “We should make the world such a great place that when Jesus comes back, he’ll be happy to be here.”
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who are feeling doubts or fears in our country to remember “In God We Trust.” I couldn’t agree more, Let’s practice kindness.
