How Should We React?

Disaster and turmoil in our world is nothing new. Every generation has faced its own troubles and difficulties with natural disasters.  The anniversaries of the terrorist attack on 9-11  remind us of how quickly our ease and comfort can turn to fear and doubt.  The resulting wars and political unrest have now brought the fear and doubt to global proportions.

Is there a remedy to the bad stuff that goes on around us? Life threatening weather events,  violence in the neighborhoods and destruction on the battlefield brings us to the point of wondering how God's people should react.  Some would even pose the question, "Should God's people react?

In a world which we are called to be Jesus in the neighborhood as well as the mission field, God's message of love and forgiveness is still the answer.  Loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength; and our neighbor as ourselves, would bring a halt to a lot of the turmoil. Getting back to the basics of learning Bible concepts for everyday life would be good medicine for all.

What will you do if your house burns? What if your home is consumed by flood waters?  What if terrorism drives us from our place of work, or the house where we live, or the place where we worship? The questions are real because we know each of these events are possible.

I read a story about Hollywood actor Dean Jones, shortly after accepting Jesus, suffered the loss of his elaborate home during one of the California wildfires several years ago.  When firemen arrived on the scene, Jones was sitting on an overturned bucket amid the smoldering remains, strumming a guitar and singing, "Amazing Grace."  It was as if he was sending the message, "No matter what happens, God is still in control. He is my priority and I am His."

Christians are called to be servants to those in need, and it really is a wonderful thing when we can do something for those who have suffered loss.  But above and beyond all we do and all we give to those in tragic situations, I hope we leave them with the message that God loves them and we love them, too.  ”Love can build a bridge, between your heart and mine. Love can build a bridge, don't you think it's time...don't you think it's time."

<ronbwqriting@yahoo.com>