Perspective on the News

This is a word of encouragement to those who read and grieve the news of the day. Much of it troubles those of us who hold a Christian worldview, but we must avoid the slippery slopes of a hopeless response.

Without naming particular issues, let’s stipulate that the headlines that cause us to utter under our breath “God help us,” are usually about morality, leadership, economics, and terrorism. The Bible speaks to all of these; after all, it is the user’s manual for the human existence.

So many of an individual’s and a nation’s troubles are self-inflicted when they call “good” what God said is sin.

We pray for godly leadership, men and women that are humble enough to know their place and their limitations, and are willing to seek divine wisdom.

The Bible speaks plainly about economics, not the least of which is “the borrower is the lender’s slave” (Pr. 22:7). The less national debt we have, the more free we are.

Torturing, maiming, and killing people including children to advance an ideology is evil, and should be confronted. Who will advance the cause of freedom for the oppressed and persecuted victims of terrorism, and keep it from washing up on our shores?

It is hopeless to give in to the “fight-or-flight” response. To become bitter and angry or to deny and ignore the issues of the day will distract you from the perspective that Jesus offers to his followers.  He said the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that “grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches,” and “like leaven which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened” (Lk. 13:19, 21).  God’s kingdom advances slowly and purposefully and someday His rule will cover the world.

We can trust God to accomplish his purposes despite the news of the day. The wickedness of our age creates cultural refugees looking for rest, provision, and peace.  Our Father offers a safe place for the soul to anyone who seeks Him.

Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.” As we utter those words, may the One who is mighty to save put today’s news into His perspective for us.