2021 proved to be another interesting year:
- Masks are done…masks are back and COVID controversies continue.
- We're paying about a dollar more for a gallon of gas than we did this time last year.
- Religious exemptions were denied for many and people were fired from their place of employment for non-compliance.
- Divisions in families and churches over all things COVID still happen a lot.
Sadly, that list isn’t conclusive. There are many other points of conflict in our culture. (And probably a lot more to come.)
Regardless of where you land politically or what you believe about any of the many issues that exist, if you are a Christ-follower, you must do your best to look, sound, and be like Jesus.
Frankly, it doesn’t matter if your position on any particular topic is correct or not if you are not living correctly.
For example, look at the fruits of the Spirit mentioned by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV). “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Now honestly evaluate your life (yours, not someone else’s life).
- Are you loving those who do the exact opposite of you?
- Are you patient and merciful (that’s forbearance) with those you are convinced are wrong?
- Are you kind toward those who are not-so-kind and overbearing in their opinions?
I’m deeply concerned.
I’m worried about those who, for the better part of two years, have become so entrenched in their political and cultural beliefs that they no longer act like Jesus.
Maybe, and I’m pretty sure I’m on to something—maybe God brought you and me into this world at such a time as this to reveal a better way of living than what most are experiencing.
While many are convinced the sky is falling, we who follow Jesus are to be different.
- We love with abandonment.
- We radiate joy and peace.
- We relationally demonstrate the godly qualities of kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.
- We resist the cultural trends and show self-control to those who are out of control.
Jesus said the world would know us by our love, not by our viewpoints or opinions.
What if 2022 is the year we show a watching world what it looks like to act a lot more like Jesus than perhaps we’ve done for a long time?
That choice might be a New Year’s resolution worth making (and keeping).
“The world does not understand theology
or dogma,
but it understands love and sympathy.”
- Dwight L. Moody
“Though we cannot think alike
may we not love alike?”
- John Wesley
Thank you for the great reminder that the world is watching. I want to show Jesus in my actions. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I fail but I keep trying.
As Maxwell often says, “We all fail, but failing forward is what matters.” Thanks for adding to the conversation, Le Anne.
Excellent article. Happy New Year. We were born for such a time as this!
Rebecca
Thank you, Rebecca. Love and miss you guys! Happy New You!
Thank you Pastor Kurt!. In our current crazy and unpredictable world it is important to me to listen, and obey the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It is hard to exhibit patience and kindness when someone is in your face but showing compassion and grace helps my growth to be more like Him!
Happy New Year Blessings.
So true for all of us, Kathy. Appreciate your kind words. Happy New Year!
Yes. Certainly time to check myself and see where I stand with how I act and react.
Good word. Thank you, Kurt.
Thanks, Colene, and Happy New Year!
Just watched the movie The Shack.
First time.
Nexflex
I’m still reeling from its message.
Thank you for this son.
Thank you.
Great story. Powerful message. Glad you enjoyed it. Love you, Mom. Happy New YOU!
The book is even better but yes I loved the movie too…such a wonderful redemption story.
Dear pastor, Again a message we all need , to remind us where our focus needs to be . I know this message has been given to myself from the Holy Spirit many times in the last 6 months.
Thanks, Cindy. Happy New YOU!