Timeless Christian Reminders
Like most of you, my mixed emotions are peaked with current events. And these aren’t what we sometimes categorize as small, irritable emotions. Rather, these emotions are anger and sorrow. There is a constant anxiety that shadows every act in life, whether in public or in the privacy of my own home.
Right now, the depravity of man is on full display every minute of every day for anyone to witness. Sure, it is always there, but currently it is being broadcast to a degree that is new to me. That may not be the case for everyone, and I appreciate and understand that reality, but it is my reality. Most of our society watched the inhumane killing of George Floyd as the video went viral. Since then, even more videos of heartless acts of intense violence towards other human beings have been brought to our attention. For me, it is even hard to read the heartbreaking displays of lashing and divisiveness between friends on social media.
I have also witnessed the positive potential of humanity over the past week. I have seen acts of courage for the vulnerable and acts of love for the supposed enemy. I have seen lots of peaceful acts in the midst of hatred and friendships forged in the midst of literal fire. Will it ever be perfect? Absolutely not. How do I know this? Because hatred and murder have existed since the very first family on this earth and it hasn’t gone away since. They were even present when God himself walked this earth in the person of Jesus.
We all have our ways of coping through despair. We all have things that we do when we do not know what to do. I lack the direct and immediate answers to the myriad of problems that we face. However, God has provided us many things that offer stability in the midst of confusion. He offers us timeless reminders that are applicable for all situations. In times like this, I need those reminders more than ever.
Last week I finished my Sunday morning Bible study on 1 Peter. Prior to the events of the past week, I planned a study titled, “Timeless Christian Reminders” to begin this week Sunday. The goal of the class is to reflect on some of those reminders which God has provided for his children. For me, these reminders provide something to grasp and cling to in the midst of chaos and instability.
This Sunday we will examine the prayer of Jesus in John 17. His prayer reminds me of HIS direction. It illustrates HIS desire for himself, his disciples, and all others. I am prone to distractions. I always need him to help redirect me. I hope and pray that you strive to allow him to direct you in all your thoughts and actions right now as well. Among your other prayers, please join me in continual prayer for those who are suffering. I also invite you to join me in this study as we continue to better understand how to apply these timeless principles to our lives.