society is so fragmented today. each little enclave of belief wants to point the finger at the group on the other side of the valley "they did it! it's their fault!" i think that very fragmentation is one of the answers. we have lost the sense of community solidarity for ordinary citizens. we do not love our neighbors unless they have an artfully crafted gofundme page. Jesus said to His disciples
14“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14
many of us want to hold ourselves apart from modern culture, holding secular institutions and people responsible for their lack of adherance to creeds and statutes that were never theirs. but who is supposed to bring light into the darkness? we are.
8“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 19Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 20Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates
think i might need to go paint the fence ...
This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up
We must be on our knees in prayer. Lord teach us to love with words and deeds, to reach out in kindness. We need His help.
ReplyDeleteyes, we do! to love like He loves, impossible in our own strength.
DeleteYou make a good point, Jenni. It's easier to pass the buck than it is to take responsibility for our neighbor.
ReplyDeleteso much easier! thanks for visiting.
DeleteIt is important to remember the responsibility we have to shine Jesus' light into the darkness. It might not seem like there's much we can do at times but if we all concentrated on loving those around us it would make a big difference.
ReplyDeleteyes, i think we get overwhelmed when we think we have to love the whole world. we are lights on adjoining hillsides across middle earth :)
DeleteYes, this! I wrote a similar post a few weeks ago after several events made me wonder how we are so blind. Blind to neighbors being tortured, gymnasts being molested, children being shot. Keeping to ourselves, choosing silence over asking questions or digging deeper, and being connected online but not in person has really become so dangerous. We need to love our neighbors, rebuild a sense of community, and open our eyes and hearts to the people around us!
ReplyDeletehad to go hunt down your blog and read your post. yes, we must rebuild with bricks of gold and silver. thanks for coming by!
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