Today’s headlines shouted out fear and anger. I should know better than read the morning newspaper while I’m making coffee. I’d be much better off continuing my new study of Proverbs and finishing thoughts from Paul’s pastoral letters.
Some in the Muslim world have risen violently in anger sparked by the promotion of an anti-Islam film publicized I guess by that publicity-seeking guy in Florida. Sorry. I didn’t even know the thing existed until yesterday. But with today’s technology, news spreads in an instant. So even the smallest, out-of-the-way person or event can have global repercussions.
Some people just love to provoke other people. Some people lie in wait for an opportunity to be provoked. So here we go with another round.
I just feel sadness in my soul that 2,000 years after Jesus taught us so much about how to live, we still have trouble. So many of “my generation” are all about rights and nothing about responsibility. James and Paul taught us the folly of speaking without thinking. We need to contemplate that.
I’m sad for all the people around the world who think it’s all about whose doctrine is superior instead of entering into a life-changing experience with God. Jesus showed us the way. The fruits of the Spirit are ripe and waiting on the tree for us to pick. And we ignore them at our own–and others’–peril. Instead of provoking arguments, why don’t we try showing how God teaches us to live.
The early church grew because they actually lived differently from their neighbors. And it was attractive and magnetic. And when people asked, they said it was all about this life changing experience with Jesus. We would do well to do the same.
Faith Venture 
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