Three Steps To Changing Our World

I believe we are at an interesting time in our country and the history of our world. There are countless narratives going on now that are dividing our country. I don't want to get into a political debate, so if you are wondering what I'm talking about read any news stories that have a connection to race, religion, gender, political party, sexual orientation, nationality, class, etc. The list goes on and on when it comes to topics that people feel passionately about and argue endlessly.

As all of these things are swirling, the thought enters my mind about what I want to teach my children. As part of the next generation what will they believe and know about the discord in the world? 

Before they try to determine who is right and who is wrong, I would hope they remember these 3 things:
  1. Don't judge others - all of us are human and susceptible to our sinful nature. Even though we want to believe there are levels to how bad a sin is, there is no differentiation between any sin. (Romans 2:1)
  2. Worry only about how you will be judged - all of us will stand alone before the Judgement Seat and will be held accountable for our own actions. Excuses about how another started it or examples of others that were far worse than you will fall on deaf ears. How we act in all of those situations is what matters. (2 Corinthians 5:10)
  3. Love Everybody - If you do nothing else, just love people. Love everyone you come into contact with. Love your enemies. Love those that you don't agree with. Love those that are different than you. If you love them you have the opportunity to get to know a person on a different level and that is when we can make a difference. (Luke 6:27-35, Galatians 5:14)
If I was honest with myself, I fail at all three of these daily. You will fail too, part of the downside of being human. But each of us can continue to do better and hope/pray/expect that the next generation will do even greater still.

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