Free Devotion Friday…
15 weeks? 24 weeks? “When is life viable?”
This question is at the center of a case heard by the supreme court that comes from Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks. The landmark case of Roe vs. Wade marked it at 24 weeks. Many are concerned Roe v. Wade will be overturned or at least stricter limits enforced.
Yesterday morning there was a social media threat against Forbes Middle School in Georgetown where our youngest daughter attends (The threat was investigated and deemed over). Obviously this is disconcerting as a parent especially in the wake of the tragedy and evil in Michigan where a number of high school students unnecessarily lost their lives to a sophomore shooter.
Almost two weeks ago a man drove his car through a Christmas parade in Waukesha killing six and injuring many others. He is upset that people are labeling him a monster and his mom is blaming the lack of mental health support for her son.
The list goes on, but one has to ask “What is going on?” and “What is the solution?”
Some say, “It’s a lack of mental health institutions and training.” Some say, “It’s guns that are the problem.” Some say, “It’s a woman’s right to choose.”
At risk of over simplifying, many of the assessments and proposes solutions are looking in the wrong place. Most solutions look to address the surface issue: Put a new law on the books; take guns out of certain people’s hands; have stricter bail and incarceration enforcements. Good arguments could be made for these solutions to address some of the surface issues.
But they still don’t get to the heart of things.
The issue is almost as old as humanity. Prior to the flood in Genesis 6, here is God’s assessment of the real problem: “ The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.” (Genesis 6:5)
Thousands of years later, things had not changed much as the Apostle Paul observed, “19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. (Galatians 5:19-21)
When a society throws out God, a biblical worldview, and a moral compass we are left to simply try to address the surface issues. When we acknowledge God, view the world through the lens of the bible and allow God’s truth to provide a moral compass for life, we are getting to the heart of things.
Again, not to over simplify, but the root cause of evil is the sinful nature that resides in each of us. That sinful nature hates God’s commands and wants to always do contrary to it. That sinful nature wants to disconnect from God and be its own god. The sinful nature loves to serve self at the expense of others.
Our sinful nature is no different.
So what’s the solution? God sent the Solution in the manger of Bethlehem the first Christmas. The angels announced his purpose, “11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
The shooter in Michigan, needs a Savior. Those that kill the unborn, need a Savior. The one who mowed down lives in Waukesha, needs a Savior. Christmas is for them too. Let’s pray for the message of Christmas to change their hearts.
We need Christmas too. We need a Savior just as much as those that make headlines for their evil. We have been given a Savior. We are here at this time to bring the message of God’s love for the world at Christmas to the world around us.
Apply: Look at the headlines of the day. How would you address the issue from a God-centered, biblical worldview?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me your Spirit to combat my sinful nature or I too would make news headlines for evil. Use me to bring your message of love and grace to the hearts of individuals…changing society one soul at a time. AMEN.