Perspective

What a week!

For those of you stationed around the world I don't know how much you have been following the happenings in the United States but it has been quite a rough week here. You will probably be able to relate to some of my thoughts below.

1. The nation has been through months of political storm and is divided right down the middle as to who will be our best presidential pick.
2. On Thursday we were reminded of the great loss and sorrow of 9/11 when our nation was attacked seven years ago.
3. Then Hurricane Ike blew through Texas and Louisiana and Northward bringing death and destruction.
4. In the middle of that we heard of a disastrous train wreck in California.
5. Now predictions are that we may be seeing record high gas prices.
What are we going to do?

Lift up your head!
God is still in control. He still has you in the palm of His hand.
None of this has caught Him off guard and your future and hope are still secure.
The church has always shined the brightest when the world around is the darkest
so it is time for us to be a light, offer hope, hold out our hand to help.

Here are some things to consider to help you keep that eternal perspective.

We can be thankful that we do not have to pass heavily armed guards
posted at every gas station, grocery store, restaurant or business that might have $50 in the till.
In many nations business owners must employ small armies just to protect their business.

We can be thankful that if we do have a crime, we can call the police without concern
that those who answer the call may be partners with those who committed the crime.
Thank God for an honest and reliable police force that serves and protects.

Thank God that we no longer have public markets where you can buy a human being
to be treated as personal property. Yes, tragically, human trafficking and slavery still exist
but at least it has been criminalized and organizations are working to catch and punish offenders.
(PS- For those who claim the Bible supports slavery, check out 1 Timothy 1:10 NIV)

Gas prices may be high but it is available.
Food prices may be high but it is available.
In fact, while many countries of the world suffer epidemics of hunger and starvation
our officials are concerned about a different health epidemic in America - an epidemic of obesity!

Yes, sadly we are politically polarized as a nation.
Yes, there is a lot of bickering and ugly sniping going on as each party vies for votes.
But let’s not forget that the only reason this great division can even exist is because
we, as a people, actually have some say in who will govern us.
For the history of the world, the majority of people have been subjected to rulers and despots
who permitted them no input nor allowed criticism of their government.
In November, whether Americans make the right choice or the wrong choice - we have a choice!

Someone recently asked me if America has ever been this deeply divided before.
It certainly has and much worse!
Only 150 years ago, brother was taking up arms against brother and Americans
were spilling American blood on American soil.
Estimates say 620,000 to 700,000 Americans were killed in the Civil War.
That is more Americans than have died in all our other wars combined!
Today’s bickering and name calling is like kids fighting in a sandbox
compared to the hatred, division and strife in our country just 150 years ago.

Yes, we are engaged in a tragic war.
All war is tragic - whether the cause is just or misguided.
General Sherman said it best, “War is hell.”
None know this better than those who have suffered through it.
But, because we live in a fallen world, the evil of war is often the high price
that must be paid to end even greater evils - slavery, tyranny, “ethnic cleansing”.
Yes, we pray for an end to this war - as we pray for an end to the evil it is combating.

Yes, there are still those who pre-judge others based on race, gender or other criteria.
Yes, there are still barriers to women, blacks and other minorities in the work place.
But in November we will see America elect either its first black president
or its first female Vice President.
That is “one giant leap” from the day they were struggling for just the right to vote.

Yes, we have problems with our health care system.
Yes, something needs to be done to bring costs under control.
But thank God that “miracle” treatments are available today.
People routinely survive medical problems that were sure death just 50 years ago
and still are sure death in most of the countries of the world even today!

Yes, our courts need reforming.
Long ago we sacrificed a system of justice and replaced it with a legal system
where procedure and loopholes trump justice and fairness.

Yes, many of us are facing financial struggles and even foreclosure
but thank God we are not living in a refugee tent because our town is under seige.
Thank God we are not digging through rubble looking for our children
because a car bomb exploded or an earthquake hit. This is daily reality for millions.

I am not saying we do not have problems.
I am not saying we do not need to work together for solutions.
I am not saying all is fine in America
or that we should close our eyes and whistle in the dark
hoping nothing bad jumps out and grabs us.

I am saying that while we work to solve our problems,
while we pray for our nation and its leaders,
while we vote in accordance with God’s laws and our conscience -
Don’t forget to be thankful

Give thanks for the liberties we so easily take for granted.
Give thanks for the blessings we have received - though undeserved.
Give thanks we have a future hope and a promised Kingdom -
a Kingdom with a just King who will set right all the scales of justice.
We look for a King whose reign will be one of peace, “with liberty and justice for all.”

Lift up your head! Keep your focus on the author and finisher of your faith.
Live a life of gratitude for what you do enjoy rather than discontent for what you may lack.

We are the most blessed of people and even if we should lose everything this side of eternity
we still have everything because we have HIM !

What are your thoughts?