Gang wars, frat wars, religious wars, ethnic wars, territorial wars – so many conflicts make our world dangerous, troubled and mad. Pointless deaths of young people because of differing patches; riots resulting from misunderstanding about beliefs and faith; bloody massacres because of racial disharmony; and skirmishes due to claims over uninhabited islands.
When humanity should have learned from the two World Wars that resulted in countless deaths and enormous destruction, we are bombarded daily with news of murders of innocents not just in areas of conflict, but even in places deemed safe and peaceful. The violence never stops.
In Mark 9:38-41 there is this account: “John said to him, "Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is for us. For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward.”
Even among the disciples, there was jealousy and suspicion. They had the mindset that being Jesus’ followers they were more privileged and more blessed than others. Finding others who were able to do spiritual work made them envious. Envy causes hatred; and hatred not only destroys relationships among people, it distances us from God.
We are all made in God’s image, and all of us are meant to do good- and good is immeasurable. Therefore, let us find joy in the good work of others, in so doing, our hearts are purified. Like water our pure hearts will cleanse the world of wars, of conflicts, of evil.
Our hearts should be pure like clean water. We should humbly be striving for this state. The stumbling block is the "humbly" part of that statement. In our foolish arrogance, we walk away from God and into contention, wars and evil deeds. God have mercy on us.
ReplyDelete