It’s been a troubling past few weeks for our nation. My heart is heavy as I read headlines and watch news stories, the majority of which are negative in content. It seems there’s simply not much to uplift or encourage these days. The aftermath of a madman shooter in Las Vegas, the potential for a nuclear war with North Korea, racial discord leading to acts of hate and injustice, natural disasters which have left many with nothing but the shirt on their back…I could go on and on.
In the light of current events, I’ve pondered a simple question: As a Christian how do I respond to all that I see around me? It may sound cliche and trite, but I’ve found the statement “What Would Jesus Do?” relevant and a serious point to ponder in these times.
In perhaps a continuation of last week’s blog (What Will People Think When They Hear That I’m A Jesus Freak?), I’ve been convicted to own up to my own deficiencies in these areas. As I’ve looked at a desperate and dying world, I’ve allowed myself to seek and strive for security; all the while knowing such a desire is fleeting and a chasing after the wind. Instead of ministering in a way that actually has lasting impact, I’ve too often turned inward and allowed my needs come first.
God I repent of my blindness. And I run back to You; the Author and Perfecter of my faith. Give me Your eyes to see this world as You see it. Give me a heart for the lost and a burden to see truth proclaimed when only lies and deception abound.
I believe there is one thing I can do that repeatedly shows who Christ is: I can love like Jesus loves. It’s a commandment for all believers and it’s laid out in Scripture:
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:16,19
We love because He first loved us. The evidence of a life lived for Jesus is love. When I slip into my own needs and start storing up for my own security, I stop depending on Jesus and become motivated by fear. Fear runs in opposition to love. But when I allow my heart to be softened by the Gospel, I start to see myself and the world as Christ sees it. And in seeing things in that light, I am filled with love and compassion.
I don’t have answers for all of the tragedy and pain that this world will bring. However, I simply believe that love motivated and extended because of Jesus is an answer that points to something beyond this world…a place where “He will wipe every tear from [our] eyes” (Revelation 21:4). Our heavenly reward is a place where all will be made right again. If I show love, I’m ultimately extending an invitation to those around me to not look down but to look up. One day the clouds will break open and He will return! Jesus come quickly!
As Christian brothers and sisters, I encourage you to display love as it has been extended to you; unconditional and without fear. I hope today’s message leaves you hopeful and optimistic despite what the headlines say. Remember the words of Jesus: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 What a promise!
God bless you!
I can be reached at info@derekcharlesjohnson.com
And they'll know we are Christians
By our love by our love
Yes they'll know we are Christians
By our love