Crisis is commonly defined as “a condition of instability or danger, as in social, economic, political, or international affairs” (dictionary.com). This of course brings to mind images of the current state of not only our nation, but the globe. Due to the pandemic, racial injustices, political division, and economic upheavals, much in our world currently seems unstable and in danger.
However, there is another definition for the word “crisis”. It is “a stage in a sequence of events at which the trend of all future events, especially for better or for worse, is determined; turning point” (dictionary.com). What if we instead looked at our current state as an opportunity to change; an opportunity to shift and change our trajectory?
What would happen if we individually and collectively stopped playing the blame game, where we are each pointing the finger at the other and assigning blame as to how we got to our present state? Republicans blame Democrats; Democrats blame Republicans; Majority members blame Minorities; the wealthy blame the poor, the Right blames the Left.
What if we each took our share of the responsibility that we have individually contributed to our collective downfall? We could then shift our energies from finger-pointing and blame-shifting to collective solutioning.
At some point, we have to honestly look upon the mistakes of the past and present, and simply choose to turn—we have to choose to operate differently—to think differently, to communicate differently, to realign with the plans of God as opposed to the machinations of men. We have to chose to advance the Kingdom of God, rather than political agendas. We have to chose to not tolerate racism in any form, but rather to demonstrate the character of the Kingdom, which is love.
Our present circumstances have actually created the ideal environment and climate for a 180-degree turn. We can choose a better path and as a result a better future. Lately, many have been quoting 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV, which states:
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
This scripture emphasizes the need to not only be humble and pray, but also the need to turn—to turn and realign with the Kingdom of God. Instead of bemoaning our present circumstances, let’s seek the Lord on where and how we need to turn to Him.
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