No human solution will ever satisfy the needs of societal issues. People in themselves do not possess the necessary strength to overcome overwhelming obstacles. A great deal of what we see in the world is beyond human experience and understanding. If we are going to affect change for the good in society, we will need to stop relying on ourselves to get the job done.
You cannot hope to eliminate hatred by using platitudes.
Empty words by well-meaning individuals will never change the course of humanity, especially when their sincerity is called into question. Vain words only lead to more suspicion where division is involved. Being concerned with the way people view us will never lead to trust. All these things are absent of love, and anything void of love breeds distrust and rebellion.
Regardless of what authority is involved (government, family, church, etc.), if it does not have the best interest at heart of those whom it governs, it will never govern effectively. It will fail to protect and serve, and thereby, fail to lead well. True biblical authority rules with a servant’s heart.
Luke 22:24-27 And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. 25. And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ 26. But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. 27. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves”.
Jesus, who is the King of all kings and Lord of all lords, served humanity. He was more concerned about our well-being than His own. Even as He sits on His throne today, He still serves us. Why? Because He loves the Father and He loves us.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have great authority, and we are to exercise that authority by loving others well.
We have authority over the power of darkness, but we don’t exercise that authority to “flex our muscles.” We exercise it in order to further the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom mandate is reconciliation and restoration. In other words, we are to concern ourselves with loving others enough to set them free in the Name of Jesus. We rejoice that our names are written in the Book of Life; not because we have power over the enemy (see Luke 10:17-20).
The world does need love. God is Love, and we are supposed to be like our Father in heaven. Apart from God, the world will go to hell in the proverbial handbasket. Jesus told us that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church (Matthew 16:18); nevertheless, it appears hell has been loosed in segments of society. How are we going to help hurting communities? We need the wisdom of God and spiritual understanding. We need to know what’s going on from His viewpoint, or we’ll never have the solutions they need. Furthermore, we need to make it about Jesus, and not ourselves. The more we make it about Him, the better we will love them. In fact, it will vacate the us and them mindset.
To those who are contemplating going into hurting communities: don’t you dare go if Jesus is not the Reason you’re going. This doesn’t merely imply whether you’re called to go. If you don’t go with the true love of the Father, you may do more harm than good. It’s one thing to be called; it’s another to be chosen. You may be called to go, but if your heart is not right, you won’t be chosen. Some make the mistake of going while they are yet only called. Usually, when a person is told he is called, it’s not yet time to go. It’s a heads-up: “Get ready to go.” The heart must be prepared first. The length of time between called and chosen varies. That’s why it’s important to walk by faith. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17); however, faith works by love (Galatians 5:6). If a person doesn’t obey what he hears out of love, it’s not a great idea for him to act or speak.
The Perfect Faith Podcast
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