The Solution in 2026?!

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“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 33:16b

“The solution for what?” you might ask. The world is so full of problems, our first impulse is to throw up our hands, get back in bed, and pull the covers over our heads. (Maybe I should just speak for myself.)

I have no quick solution for the troubles we see around us, but here’s my diagnosis and a few suggestions for a couple of them. We can’t fix everything, but maybe with God’s help, we can make the world a little better by 2027.

I posted this comment during the big shutdown, when many were in a panic, and seemingly everyone was intent on blaming the other side:

“It’s probably way too late to point this out, but biblically speaking, caring for the poor was never the government’s job, it’s the Church’s job. I remember reading an article by a mathematician (or economist?) who had calculated that if all the people in America who called (important distinction) themselves Christians were to give a tenth of their income (the minimum) to the Church, and the Church used it to help the poor, we would have no need of government programs. The Church could be the ones who meet people’s needs and give them hope. But obviously most “Christians” don’t do that. A lot of churches don’t even take up a collection these days. I’ve heard the excuse, “Sure I give to the poor – I pay my taxes.” Consequently, too few Christians are giving what they should, and too many needy people are forced to look to the government to meet their needs.

“My son had an idea, and Marty and I followed suit. We went to Costco and filled our cart with cases of some non-perishable basics (canned chicken and tuna, vegetables, soup, mac and cheese, applesauce, spaghetti noodles and sauce, etc.) We loaded it all into the car and took it to a church that’s feeding hungry people…”

What if every Christian (or “Christian”) did that this week?”

Take it a step further: What if everyone who’s had the urge to get on social media and argue about whose fault it is that people are in need, instead, bought a basket of groceries to donate?

Better yet, what if every Christian (or “Christian”) who wanted to get on social media and attack someone they think is “evil” prayed for that person instead? After all, we know who the real enemy is (Don’t we?) and should never consider “hopeless” anyone who still has breath in their lungs. Consider some of the despicable people God has saved in the past. Is He any less powerful today than He was then? Imagine the impact on the world if some of the most visible “bad guys” got radically transformed by God’s grace?

It makes me sad when random people are asked, “What is a Christian?” to hear so many nonbelievers say, “Christians are people who hate gays,” or something equally appalling. I would love to do something that makes more people say, “Christians are people who helped me when I was in trouble,” or “Christians are people who loved me when I was unlovable and prayed for me when I seemed beyond reach.”

Just some thoughts. Let’s meet up next New Year’s Eve and compare notes.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for being a God of new beginnings. Thank You for forgiving us when we fall short, which we do daily. Thank You for never giving up on us. Help us never to give up on anyone else, either, especially those we have ill feelings toward. Lord, the problems of this world seem overwhelming – are overwhelming to us when we try to solve them on our own. But, halleluiah, we are not on our own! Thank You for a brand-new year to trust You, obey You, and then watch with great expectations as You work in our lives. We are forever grateful. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Published by seekingdivineperspective

I am a forgiven sinner and adopted child of God, seeking to see life from His perspective - as opposed to the world's flawed perspective - and living my life accordingly.

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31 thoughts on “The Solution in 2026?!”

  2. Government “charity” is an oxymoron. Government is an organization, and organizations do not love people. That is why every government “charity” eventually becomes some sort of patronage program used by politicians to buy votes.

    As individuals either we love our neighbors, or we don’t. As individuals either we are charitable, or we are not.

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  3. Amen! My church has a food pantry for those in need. It is not only a blessing to those in need, it is a blessing to those of us who work there! Many times we are given an opportunity to pray for someone who is desperate. God bless you, Annie! 💕

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  4. It’s the “What if” questions, isn’t it. Let’s start with everyone who reads this post. Let each of us answer even one of the “What if” questions by acting on it. It might become as contagious as the flu! Happy New Year, all!

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  5. Annie, our hearts are in synch regarding caring for the poor. When my church was only a fellowship, we partnered with our host church in a Monday-night serving of food to the poor; since we became a church in 2019, we have continued that. And 100% agreement that this is the job of the church, not the government!

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  6. The church I belong to and the St Vincent DePaul Organization do a significant amount for the poor in our area-free meals at least once a week, free groceries for pick up, bags in the entrance of the church to collect weekly food donations, an annual fund raising walk for the poor, and more. The St Vincent DePaul Organization has a store that collects anything you want to donate, sells it dirt cheap, and donates the money for the care of the poor (rent, utility bills, etc.). That is the role of the church and Christian organizations. Our church makes it easier to help the poor. Many Christians do not belong to a church, but they can still find opportunities to help in their community. I agree with you, Annie-no government involvement!

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    2. @Nancy Homlitas

      Whether we help the poor by contributing to a church or a well-run non-profit organization doesn’t really matter. The issue is this. Whether the government does the job it is supposed to do or not, it can still take our money. Private organizations have to convince us to give them our time and money, and if we decide to stop contributing and to give our time and money to some other private organization, they cannot stop us. That is, we can hold a private organization accountable with much greater ease.

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  10. I absolutely love this, and I agree 100 percent. If the people of this world had more kindness, compassion, and empathy toward one another then poverty wouldn’t be an issue. I am not a preacher, teacher, or a pastor, but I am a Christian and I fully believe 1st Corinthians chapter 13. I have taught my children, and will see to it that my grandchildren are taught that love trumps all things. Thank you for sharing this.

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  11. An excellent challenge to live out our faith in The God Who Is who has revealed Himself most clearly in Jesus! A quote I was using as an email signature in November comes from Jim Elliff: “Try this mental exercise this Thanksgiving when you are feasting on turkey and dressing and enjoying a warm and comfortable home or apartment. Stop for a moment and look around you at the abundance, the family, the nice clothes you have and all you enjoy, and then say to yourself, ‘But… I deserve hell.’ Repeat it several times and believe it because it is true. Then thank God for even the next breath you are given.”
    A good book for evaluating our commitment to Jesus’ life principles is Roand Sider’s timeless masterpiece, “Rich Christians in An Age of Hunger.”

    ❤️&🙏, c.a.

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  15. Good stuff here, Annie. Thank you for sharing. Makes me encouraged to give more passionately and watch that my words are kind and loving, giving Christians a name that points to Christ.

    Recently I’ve been getting rid of clothes, shoes, home decor..minimalist aspiration I suppose you’d call it. I’ve found in this that I get more joy taking these things to the 2nd handstore than when I used to do garage sales or Facebook marketplace.
    Giving is such a twofold blessing. ❤️

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