ON RESPONSIBILITY

I know you are busy. Thank you for taking a moment to read my comments about the daily newspaper headlines in general and the shootings last week in particular.

Like most people my first reaction was, "impossible", "no way", "not YWAM", (and later in the day)... "impossible", "no way", "not NEW LIFE" but as reality set in, my reaction changed to, "What is going on in America? It seems we are spiraling into a pit of despair with no visible means to stop the spiral".

Like many people, I asked God, Why is this happening?

I received an answer... and because I haven't heard the answer shared in news reports, or in conversations, or from the pulpit, I thought I'd share it with you, because it seems to be important.

(---- now, please read between the lines, because, to be brief, I am leaving out many details which would help clarify what I am writing ---)

Everything that is happening has been (and is being), effected by decisions I (and everyone) are making, moment by moment.

Our decisions have a ripple effect, like a rock thrown into a calm lake, the ripples disturb the water and fan out across the lake. My (our) everyday decisions are like that, they effect my circle of influence (and theirs effect mine). For example, when I choose to go to a certain movie, that choice is seen by many people within my circle (family, friends, and strangers). That decision affects future decisions of all the people in the circle. Cumulative, over time, these decisions contribute to the fabric of our society.

So, the answer to the question of "who will take responsibility?" is simple... it is me!

If I don't take responsibility, who will?

Looking back, I can see clearly how my choices have added to the decadence and hopelessness we see in society today. ( Just watch, and you will understand).

Thank God for sending our Savior, Jesus. I thank heaven He is opening my eyes to the fact that every moment, there are important choices to be made. Some choices light the path to His Kingdom, some light another path.

The following question is where the rubber meets the road -

"Do each of my everyday choices (our choices) reflect light on the straight path, the path to His Kingdom?

Or do they illuminate the path to despair"?

Pilgrims Progress is a book about Christian, who is on a journey to the Celestial City. Like Christian, do our choices build up our sinful nature, like "Piety", "Envy", "Talkative", or "Money-Love"? Or will our hearts be shown (through our choices), to be true, like "Faithful", "Hopeful", and "Christian"?

I am sorry for my lifetime of poor choices, and ask His forgiveness for contributing to the state of the world today. Simultaneously, I thank Him for walking beside me, helping to remove the veil of my sinful nature, so I can see His will for my life. I thank Him for providing the strength and courage for me to step out of the darkness.

Lastly, if God has given you insight, reflect it!