Just How Bad Are Things?

We are living in such interesting times. People become so confused, contaminated and conformed by the world around them. Think about it for a minute. Think of those Haitians who just passed through the devastation of hurricane Matthew. Due to their environment and other issues beyond their personal control many lost everything. Believe me they didn’t have much before the flood waters and high winds took what little they had all away. Think of those who live in war torn Syria. Bombings again today. Death, destruction, injury and hunger is a way of life. And I could write example after example from all different areas around our globe. Many live an absolutely horrific existence – others like those of us here in the United State of America – even at our worst are SO much better off than they are. If our homes are destroyed we still can expect help and restoration in a reasonable time. We will eat today. We will sleep tonight. We will get back to work and life goes on.

But I am amazed at how many moan, complain and rail as if they were worse off than a child in Aleppo or in Jeremie, Haiti. During these days leading up to the elections you would think that possibly all hope is gone depending who wins the elections. You have seen FaceBook and the other medias. You have heard the news. As I read my Bible today and then perused the various medias again I could not help but be confronted head on with an interesting and impacting truth from Paul the first century church planter as he writes to those in Ephesus. I am aware that this will have little meaning to those who are unbelievers and possibly even little affect on many believers – but maybe it will resonate with some:

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)

As a believer in Christ living in this world, where ever your address is on this planet, it is not our home. We are here, but our citizenship is out of this world. (Philippians 3:20) We are not to conform to this world. (Romans 12:2) But where ever we reside we are privileged to have a wonderful connection with other believers as those in first century Ephesus. Because of the reconciliation purchased by Christ for us we are no longer strangers and foreigners to God as we once were in our sins. As believers in Christ we are connected with God and others. We are fellow citizens with other saints and part of the household of God. Again, it matters not your earthly address – we have this connection through Christ.

Not only are we connected but we are established on a firm foundation with Christ as the chief cornerstone. Think of those whose earthy home blew away or washed away last week in the storm. If they have Christ their earthly life may be in tatters but they can still lean upon a firm foundation in Christ. Think of those whose homes collapse under the bombs and rockets. They need Christ! He alone can be their foundation.

Now friend, consider your own life and your future. Think even beyond the impending elections. Is it really that bad? Maybe if you are not a believer in Christ it seems dark and dismal. But can you take hope as I do and many others that we are connected, established, built together with others and growing unto an holy temple in the Lord – SO REJOICE – don’t moan, complain and rail about things today or tomorrow – if you are in Christ NOTHING can change that future and whatever insignificant thing I may suffer today, tomorrow or after the next storm, next war or next election “is but a light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) So friend. Take a deep breath and give thanks to God. It is not all bad.