We Don't Have to Join in the Chaos

"But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world." I John 4:4

Some days I just don't feel like a winner.  I feel beaten up and weary by the continual pummeling of the media all around me. Someone says this, someone says that.  Who knows what is right. We try and base our decisions on facts - but what are the facts? Who do we trust?

Many have chosen to "unplug" from the deluge of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok posts.  And to be truthful, I have been tempted to do the same.  But, I would miss all the good that I glean from them I guess. In all of it one thing I have determined is - I don't have to join in the chaos.

Ultimately, what we are seeing pushed out as facts often are nothing more than someone else's opinion.  Or, it is someone interpreting what someone else said or wrote. It is like the old game of gossip.  Just line up 10 people in a row sometime and whisper a sentence in their ear and see if it is anywhere close to what you said by the time it reaches the end of the line! People can spin anything to make statements say what they want it to say. And we have to be wise enough to determine its validity.

When I read these things I have to control the urge to put my thoughts out there.  Then I think "I don't have to join in the chaos."  My opinion is exactly that - my opinion. And honestly, who cares? The people who know my heart would understand.  They would understand that my intent is never to bring harm but to foster kindness.  But those who don't know me might misinterpret my intentions.  And so I remain quiet.

I truly believe that the evil we are seeing in this period of our history is nothing more than the plotting of the evil one who seeks to destroy.  His plot has been going on since the beginning of time when he sought to be equal with God.  Yet, I know that he will never have the victory.  Jesus came to overcome and He will be the ultimate victor!  I trust in Him and I do not have to put my trust in men or women who may or may not have my best in mind.  I also do not need to add to any of the chaos that Satan has put out on the world stage for all to see. I can simply be obedient to what I know God has called me to be.  Be kind, be loving, be patient, be generous, be peaceful, be good, be faithful, be gentle, be self-controlled.  If I focus on that - there is little time to be involved in the chaos!

Going Through a System Reset

Over the past several weeks our church has been working through a sermon series called "Christ likeness in Crisis."  Each week one of our pastors would work through one or more of the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22 and 23.  What I believe to have been the objective was to help us to look introspectively into our lives and see how we measure up during this period of crisis here in the United States.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

My husband and I belong to a Bible study group that meets on Thursday night to review the message from the previous weekend.  To say that this has been a challenge for me is an understatement.  I look into my dark heart and wonder if I exhibit the fruit in a way that truly shows to others "Christ likeness in Crisis." Have I been more loving, more gentle, more faithful, more self-controlled or have I been all about me?  Have I sought ways to reach out to those who are different than me in ways of kindness, peace and patience?  Have I found joy in this time?

After a long hard evaluation, I think I need to hit the "reset" button.  I need to be intentional about these characteristics.  I need to stop excusing my impatience, my lack of faithfulness, my unbridled emotions that can lead to anger and harshness.  I need to come back to the Source of the Fruit.  The One who truly exhibited the Fruit in His daily interactions.

Jesus is the example I need to follow.  He exhibited love in the face of hatred. He lived joy in  the midst of His difficult journey.  He presented peace in the midst of chaos.  He demonstrated patience with the most frustrating.  He was kind even to those who persecuted Him.  He was good even in the evilness of His day.  He was faithful while completing the most difficult task. He was gentle in the response to brutality and He demonstrated self-control when all around Him were people intent on destroying Him. 

How then can I do any less than hit reset and start again?  I must look beyond myself and see the needs around me with an open heart and a willingness to reach out to those that God places in my life who may challenge my safe little world.  What is in the past is exactly that - the past.  Now, to move on to the future and with God's help I will see growth in my life to be a woman committed completely to living as one who seeks to be like my Savior.