Early in the 20th century a gentlemen who was worried about the state of things decided to study the geography of the world, find the safest place, and move there. In the end he discovered a south sea island and took residence at a little place called Guadalcanal.
I know of Christians today who, worried about the end times, have packed their belongings and are holed up somewhere out West. Others have attempted to leave the country. Many others, depending on their theological bent, eagerly await a Place of Safety or a rapture to save themselves from the wrath of the last days.
But the Bible I read tells me that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7), and any way you cut it, the obsession with escape is a spirit of fear.
In fact, Jesus expects us to be engaged with the world around us. "I pray not that you should take them out of the world," he prayed, "but that you should keep them from the evil one" (John 17:15). Even though we are not of the world, we are still in it, and we are in the world for a reason. "You are the light of the world, a city that is set on the hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel but on a candlestick, and it gives light unto all that are in the house" (Matt. 5:15).
The world would indeed be a dark place without us. If we all disappeared into a cave with a 3-1/2 year supply of freeze-dried food, our lights would not be shining to fill the whole room, and the world would lack the seasoning of our salt. A "save your own skin" religion deprives the world of the salt and light that we are commanded to be. Such theology is neurotic for it appeals to our worst fears rather than our fondest hopes.
Once an optimist and a pessimist sat down over a cup of coffee. The optimist pointed out that 95% of the things we worry about never happen, to which the pessimist replied, "I know. See how well it works?" Far better for us is the knowledge that fear won't add an inch to our stature.
Lenny C.
Great post, Lenny!
ReplyDeleteYour blog makes so much sense, how can we be an example if we can not be found!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAgain, a Great post,