If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

John 15:19 (NIV)

The world is in a state of panic and paranoia as people gather together to help those struggling under the harsh realities of life. There are so many organizations reaching out to help with problems in Haiti stemming from the earthquakes. Volunteers from many countries use their hands to dig through the rubble, attempting to rescue as many as possible. We see Military and civilian volunteers working together to save as many as possible in Afghanistan. We witness health care workers, volunteers, and first responders are working together frantically to stem the surge of COVID-19 and the delta variant. Firefighters (professional and volunteer) are swarming to the latest forest fires, attempting to save whole communities, and working tirelessly to stop an unrepentant enemy as it engulfs entire sections of the country. We empathize with police officers trying to maintain their balance in a world that often doesn’t appreciate what they do or their struggles to protect those they serve.

There are so many people working so hard to meet the needs of people they don’t know, but finding a higher purpose as they provide care under dire circumstances.

Even as these individuals and organizations struggle to fix a topsy-turvy world, we face an onslaught of finger-pointing, back-seat driving, and armchair quarterbacks. Each one is presenting the world their opinions from their couches as facts. They take to social media, and proclaim the incompetence of those very people trying so hard to make the right decisions and do the right thing to save and benefit as many people as possible.

How challenging it can be to be in a position where you are trying to find your footing and provide what help you can when people shout, “You are doing it all wrong!”

Jesus proclaims us to be not of this world, that our presence here is temporary. And yet, we seem to feel the obligation to live by the standards of this world. Please don’t misunderstand. Jesus spent His entire ministry helping, healing, and teaching the people that live in this world. When Satan tempted Jesus, he took Him to a high place and offered Him world to rule over, only asking that Jesus bow down and worship Him. Jesus refused.

Jesus replied by quoting Deuteronomy 6:13 and 10:20, “You shall worship the Lord your God and only Him shall you serve.”

Jesus saw a much bigger picture. This world, this solar system, this galaxy, this universe was a created space and that it was insignificant compared to heaven, which stands outside of creation.

The good samaritan helped the stranger on the road when no one else would, but he didn’t change his citizenship because of it. Why do we feel we must become one with this world to serve the people of this world? Jesus never renounced His position in heaven to serve humanity. We are each called to lift and help one another, never forgetting that our true home is with our Savior. May we find solace and peace in that service, knowing that we are meeting the needs of those around us, exampling Jesus, and embracing our true calling. We will continue to work together, be gracious to those who serve, and join hands to Fight the Good Fight.

God bless you all.