“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 I 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 it 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.