Tragedy is running rampant, not just in America but all over the globe. This summer has been one of shocking and terrible news of violence and cruelty that continually shake us and leave us questioning our safety and security. From hate crimes to pure terrorism, it is evident that not just one nation but the entire world is bleeding, mourning loss, and in dire need of a change.
So many of these events are the cause of pride, which creates division between those who ought to be unified. Pride puts human beings, a most adaptable species, into small, inflexible boxes. Pride creates entitlement that says your box is better than everyone else's suddenly, it seems anyone who does not share the same box becomes an enemy and we end up with situations like what happened in Paris, Orlando, Bangladesh, Dallas, and countless other places. This was never how it was meant to be—and yet it's how the world always has been.
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In the beginning, pride prompted Eve to disobey God in an effort to be equal to him, and prompted her son Cain to kill his brother Able out of jealousy. Pride convinced Saul to attempt to take the life of his innocent servant, and later convinced that servant - David - to murder an innocent man to hide a scandalous affair. Later, pride brought the Pharisees before the Romans begging for the crucifixion of a man without fault, and led to the martyrdom of many. Throughout history we have seen pride start conflicts, riots and even wars. It is a tragic flaw we all possess and have the misfortune of watching play out in all kinds of terrible ways.
This pride, which leads to such heinous acts, is not the primary cause of the world's problems. Rather, Pride is the result of our sinful nature. Pride is also a sin, and sin always leads to destruction. Sin kills, it's as simple as that. People are dying all around the world and when people ask why the answer isn't hate or fear or disrespect or even hubris. Why are people dying? Because people sin and the price of sin is always death.
It's a pretty dismal concept to be sure. Here we are looking for hope and all around us we see tragedy, death, fear and chaos. We wonder what the world is coming to. It seems things can only get worse. Perhaps they shall, but even if they should we are not without hope. Sin may kill, but Jesus saves. Because even though the price of sin is always death, the gift of God is eternal life with Him.
In this time of uncertainty, we need to look to Christ for wisdom, comfort and discernment. Though our hearts would tell us to be afraid and to subject people to limited boxes, Christ would rather us see beyond the surface, "For God did not give us a spirit of fear—but of power, love, and a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). A sound mind doesn't love in an Us versus Them mentality, love does not stay silent when people are struggling, and power does not stay inactive when it can go and help others.
I urge you to rely on Jesus, for He is our only hope in times like these. He is the comforter, the healer, the almighty one. I understand that some may really be struggling right now. There is a lot of fear, uncertainty and division in our world. Some have lost homes, possessions, and even loved ones. I cannot say I know what that is like, but I can say that I know somebody who does. And that somebody will provide for all your needs. Trust in Jesus. In these dark times he is the only light on which we can rely. Let the love of God wash away the fears and doubts and hatred, and be filled with a peace that surpasses all understanding.
