Thinking Out Loud
As people who are justified by faith, we see this present world with a double vision. On the one hand, we long and strive for a world where love and peace prevails and where injustices are few and far between. On the other hand, we know the world’s turmoil is sourced by sin and that the only eternal remedy is the gospel. So as Christians, we must be willing to apply a band-aid on the symptoms of sin while faithfully and diligently administering God’s remedy, the gospel. The gospel compels us to do so. It cannot be an either or. It must be both. But it must begin and end with the gospel.
When ministering in the world, having an understanding of, and beginning with the gospel in mind lends to a proper perspective. It brings to the forefront God’s provision in Christ for the hurting. It gives greater meaning to meeting material needs than merely filling a belly or providing a warm bed. The gospel reminds us of God’s mercy toward us when we don’t deserve it. It reminds us of just how patient the Lord is with us in our numerous short comings. The gospel centers your focus on Christ and guards the motives of your heart. This is important because we are quick to take glory for what God has ultimately done.
Above all, having an understanding of, and beginning with the gospel in mind keeps before us what really matters. It keeps at the forefront man’s desperate need for a Savior, and it is from this position that true compassion flows within and through you. Having an understanding of, and beginning with the gospel makes you aware of opportunities the Lord may give to plant the seed of the gospel, to articulate its truths in grace.
We, the recipients of God’s mercy are compelled to view the world with different eyes than that of the world. We know experientially what God has provided for us in Christ and the work He so faithfully continues to carry out in our lives.
The world’s problem is sin. It’s remedy is the gospel!
In times of national turmoil (and at all times), here are a few things that we would do well to put to practice immediately…
- Pray… for those who are hurting, that the church would behave in wisdom and grace, that in your own heart, you will think biblically (pray before you speak or post on social media)
- Act… take any and every opportunity the Lord provides to help make a difference where you live. You may not be able to impact the lives that are at the epicenter of turmoil, but you can make a difference right where you are. There is nothing unbiblical about working to make this world a better place to live.
- Speak… pray for and take opportunity to speak the truth about God’s divine justice, satisfied for our sins in Christ’s death, so that in turn, He might be merciful to those come to Him in faith.