Your observations and questions are timely. We can really see that the world is becoming increasingly dysfunctional. If we believe that we should only act when and how we can effect change, it will leave us inactive in many cases. Fortunately, we have a God who is the agent of change and we do not have to bear that impossible burden ourselves. However, that does not mean that we can sit on our hands and do nothing. Standing up and firm for our beliefs shows our faith and cooperates with God in his plan to bring all things into unity with Christ. Jesus himself did not change every person and situation because free will remains a very essential aspect of our humanity. But what he did do was conduct himself in a way that offered an alternative to the world's ways and attitudes. Those looking for something more and better followed his lead. That's that you want - something better. So just do it. don't be deceived by thinking that you yourself must accomplish change in others and in the systems of this world. That's God's job, and he is fully able to bring his plan to completion. U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy gave a fine perspective when he said "Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others...he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope...and those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of...resistance." God wants you to focus on him, not on yourself. John 6:29 says "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he sent", not that you in your own power must change things according to your design or desire. Let the burden be lifted from you and take courage in the might and goodness of God. Be sure to do this with all those other ripples, the community of God's people, and you will be amazed at what will result.
INSIDE THE ISSUE is authored thru Resurrection Lutheran Church, 250 Quarry Rd, Pembroke. Sunday Worship at 10:30am. Fruit of the Spirit Course begins 7pm Sept 23.