In the wake of the tragic events in Paris which unfolded over the weekend, I have heard a word repeated over and over again: solidarity. The word is defined in the American Heritage dictionary as, "A union of interest, purposes, or sympathies among members of a group; fellowship of responsibilities and interest." In a sense, those who stand in solidarity with Parisians share their shock, pain, and desire comfort all affected by the cowardly attack. On the street one might say, "I'm feeling you. I've got your back." On the same street there is no shortage of opinions of what the problems in the world are or the best ways to stop them. It is good to be united against evil, but often the common responses are anything but righteous.
The world's methods of fighting are incapable of stemming the tide which threatens to wash the globe in blood. People are divided over how to deal with the complex issues and potential threats nations and individuals face. "Kill first or be killed," some say. Others point to ideology, religion, or indoctrination as the problem. Still others make a case for tighter immigration policies, establishing early detection methods to prevent acts of terrorism, and arming/disarming citizens. All of these suggestions fall well short of what is required to bring transformation in the hearts of people. And it is primarily a heart problem. The Bible says man is not basically good, but according to God's standards the heart of every man is wicked and deceitful beyond comprehension.
The reality is, the world is deluded to think we possess within ourselves the capacity to change people for good. The actions of the world says we can enact positive change by eliminating real threats by dialogue, military action, air strikes, and covert military operations. On a federal level we can protect ourselves by closing borders, putting more police on the streets, and raising the level of security. Some say crimes could be reduced by tight restrictions concerning firearm or weapon ownership or eliminating them altogether. Through improved legislation we could prevent people from immigrating to a country or prosecute those who plot in secret to harm others. Now I am not saying these are poor suggestions in the proper context, but I am saying none of these ideas have the capacity to change the hearts of men. Governments and laws have been established because men are evil, and many choose to willfully transgress even in the face of conviction, imprisonment, and death.
In writing to Christians, James said in James 4:1-3: "Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." Without being transformed by the love of Jesus Christ, there will always be conflict - even among the people who identify as Christians. How much more conflict will people create who are deceived and blinded to their own wickedness? Hardness of heart has led to countless marriages ending in divorce, and lust for power and control has led to war, violence, and immeasurable suffering. The unregenerate heart cannot be refined with the external shackles of law or government control: the only way people can be permanently transformed within is through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Scoff all you want, but the world's best attempts end with war after war with no end in sight. Isn't that the history of mankind in a nutshell?
The Bible speaks of a glorious day when the risen Jesus Christ will establish His government over the entire earth. Even at the end of His thousand year reign, Satan will deceive the world and in solidarity they will come against Jesus Christ in a desire to overthrow His rule (Revelation 20:6-10). Satan and all who follow him will be completely vanquished by Christ. Solidarity is good and fine, but it begs the question: what is the best union of interest for the glory of God? The church must mobilise in practical help and prayer (nothing is more practical!), united in walking in His love and the power of the Holy Spirit. Fear of man ought not to govern our motives, but instead fear God. Christ commands us to compassionately pray even for our enemies. There is good cause to protect our people or families, but remember vengeance is God's sovereign territory. He has said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." (Deut. 32:35, Nahum 1:2, Romans 12:19). Not all can receive this saying, but he who has ears to hear, let him hear. Do you you fear God more than man?
What this world needs is solidarity in the person of Jesus Christ. It is high time for the church to awake out of sleep and faithfully follow the example of our Saviour. Jesus is the only one capable of changing the hearts and minds of men, and our call as His followers is to let His light shine through us in the dark world. Christians are to have a common interest to live holy and share the Good News of salvation to all. We must not shirk our responsibilities to live out the exhortation of Titus 2:11-14: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." Only when we invite God to transform us and walk by faith in Christ can we make a difference in this world for God's glory.
The world's methods of fighting are incapable of stemming the tide which threatens to wash the globe in blood. People are divided over how to deal with the complex issues and potential threats nations and individuals face. "Kill first or be killed," some say. Others point to ideology, religion, or indoctrination as the problem. Still others make a case for tighter immigration policies, establishing early detection methods to prevent acts of terrorism, and arming/disarming citizens. All of these suggestions fall well short of what is required to bring transformation in the hearts of people. And it is primarily a heart problem. The Bible says man is not basically good, but according to God's standards the heart of every man is wicked and deceitful beyond comprehension.
The reality is, the world is deluded to think we possess within ourselves the capacity to change people for good. The actions of the world says we can enact positive change by eliminating real threats by dialogue, military action, air strikes, and covert military operations. On a federal level we can protect ourselves by closing borders, putting more police on the streets, and raising the level of security. Some say crimes could be reduced by tight restrictions concerning firearm or weapon ownership or eliminating them altogether. Through improved legislation we could prevent people from immigrating to a country or prosecute those who plot in secret to harm others. Now I am not saying these are poor suggestions in the proper context, but I am saying none of these ideas have the capacity to change the hearts of men. Governments and laws have been established because men are evil, and many choose to willfully transgress even in the face of conviction, imprisonment, and death.
In writing to Christians, James said in James 4:1-3: "Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." Without being transformed by the love of Jesus Christ, there will always be conflict - even among the people who identify as Christians. How much more conflict will people create who are deceived and blinded to their own wickedness? Hardness of heart has led to countless marriages ending in divorce, and lust for power and control has led to war, violence, and immeasurable suffering. The unregenerate heart cannot be refined with the external shackles of law or government control: the only way people can be permanently transformed within is through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Scoff all you want, but the world's best attempts end with war after war with no end in sight. Isn't that the history of mankind in a nutshell?
The Bible speaks of a glorious day when the risen Jesus Christ will establish His government over the entire earth. Even at the end of His thousand year reign, Satan will deceive the world and in solidarity they will come against Jesus Christ in a desire to overthrow His rule (Revelation 20:6-10). Satan and all who follow him will be completely vanquished by Christ. Solidarity is good and fine, but it begs the question: what is the best union of interest for the glory of God? The church must mobilise in practical help and prayer (nothing is more practical!), united in walking in His love and the power of the Holy Spirit. Fear of man ought not to govern our motives, but instead fear God. Christ commands us to compassionately pray even for our enemies. There is good cause to protect our people or families, but remember vengeance is God's sovereign territory. He has said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." (Deut. 32:35, Nahum 1:2, Romans 12:19). Not all can receive this saying, but he who has ears to hear, let him hear. Do you you fear God more than man?
What this world needs is solidarity in the person of Jesus Christ. It is high time for the church to awake out of sleep and faithfully follow the example of our Saviour. Jesus is the only one capable of changing the hearts and minds of men, and our call as His followers is to let His light shine through us in the dark world. Christians are to have a common interest to live holy and share the Good News of salvation to all. We must not shirk our responsibilities to live out the exhortation of Titus 2:11-14: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." Only when we invite God to transform us and walk by faith in Christ can we make a difference in this world for God's glory.
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