The Climate of Our Country and The Christian Choice: GLOBAL WARMING?

May 27th, 2024

One day at the post office a puzzled man was overheard saying, “I don’t know what is going on. I’ve never seen our country like this before! Why are we doing these things?” Some of us can identify with this man’s questions and our Devotional Team will tackle the subject, “The Climate of Our Country and the Christian,” which is sure to stir up our thinking about our walk in this world.

SCRIPTURE: "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place." 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

There is a calling according to the text for the community of faith, an imperative, by which all of that community and all broadly will be blessed, a calling offered not because the believers have been righteously, lovingly oriented. This calling is put forth for the evidence of disobedience, despite the mechanics of religious conduct. This condition of blessing requires repentance, that sincere turning away from selfishness to the seeking of God, through prayer and a worshipful manner of living...and this calling as issued doesn't wait for a cooperative 'world'.

So fast-forward to now, is the message any different? Do we have a different calling upon us as things heat up all around our chaotic and confused home? Are we to settle with and within the lawlessness and disorder of these modern times, indifferent to it, or fearful of its roaring? Are we to adapt our vocabulary and thoughts to fit in, contrary to what is offered us in the scriptures? Are we to seize the gray, when we know there are absolutes of black and white? It's getting crazy 'hot' in our world, with conflict and division abounding, even to show up in places of worship. How should the Christian be?

This week has seen the local event in Baltimore called the Preakness, an international experience of racing horses, raised for the purpose of the glory of completing the race first, for roughly all two and a half minutes of it. Big money pours in and around this event, unparalleled excitement occurs, loud music, and variable levels of sobriety are evident, and every imaginable color adorns the dress of the attendees. Language and accents vary with varying passions as community meets its guests, as fancy cars seek spaces, with celebrities joining the party. Diversity is evident with a murmur in Northwest Baltimore that seems to say, 'It's your thang. Do what you wanna do... etc.'

As the world unravels, demanding the best of our thoughts and doings, we play. Even some making up the visible church in this season are playful. Jesus meanwhile 'stands at the door and knocks' offering the grace and mercy so needed. '...if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him' (Revelations 3:20). 'For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, he shall be saved.' (Romans 10:13). The Christian choice is to share Jesus. Full stop. 'Whatever you do, in word or deed, do all to the glory of God.' (1 Corinthians 10:31).

With a waiting world bent on being lost, we must needs share Christ... showing forth 'the hope of glory'. Let us all humble ourselves before the Lord. Pray, and seek Him. He has promised to hear, and to heal. Amen.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me with a built up belief that shares Your Son. Spirit of Grace succeed through me, I ask in Jesus' name. Hallelujah and Amen.
By Bro. McNeal Brockington