How are we to live in a nation with a constitution that guarantees many freedoms? The concern I have is although we live in a nation with many freedoms, we seem to be bound in debate and divisive in word and action. Are we locked in a state of mind and altitude that limits our freedom to sit down and have a civil discourse with those who disagree with us? Are we willing to sit down and listen to their story and discuss the eternal issues in life? Or are we looking for an opportunity to throw the next stone?
There is only one solution to the problems facing our nation and the world. It is not a political solution. It is not an issue that requires debate; it requires love. The solution is an eternal heart issue. Yes, it does matter what we believe. It also matters how we communicate what we believe. Is our motive and actions to build up and celebrate the love God has for humanity?
Are we willing to take time to look through the lens of eternity? What made Jesus so different and appealing to the masses in the day of His visitation upon earth? He treated all humanity with dignity and love regardless of their status and situation in life. He did not judge nor make his opposition the constant central theme of his daily dialog. He did not address the political issue of the day. He talked about the love of God, His heavenly Father and hung out with the non-religious crowd.
His message was direct and eternal. It was simple and His purpose was to reveal to humanity that He was indeed the Messiah. When confounded about what was the greatest commandment for man to obey (how to live), He repeated words that were more than a mere suggestion made to a nation many decades before He arrived on earth. They are thousands of years old and remain relevant and eternal. They are a commandment to every individual. These are words of life for us who believe them and are to be taught to the next generation. How we communicate and teach them is critically important.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them…
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 See the words of Jesus in Mark 12:29-30.
These words have the power to change every person who receives and believes them. They have the power to change society. Instead of division there will be unity, peace and mercy because these words are linked with the commandment: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Let us pray these words of truth will be the foundation for a powerful and deeply passionate spiritual awakening so desperately needed in this generation that will impact the world.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
