| Crosswords: It’s A Mad World |
By Richard Prow ~ rpcrosswords@gmail.com
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“If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen” (1 John 1:20.)
Maybe I’m becoming more nostalgic or probably just more pessimistic, but I see the world becoming increasingly more antagonistic these days. Most talk shows and reality shows, driven by what viewers want to see, thrive on confrontation. Churches continue to split over issues as inane as carpet color and musical instruments. Kindergartners are being sent home for fighting. (Okay that may fall under the last category). Nations are at war. Families are splintering. All in all, it seems we are having a harder time getting along with one another.
Has our water system been polluted? Are we failing to get a good nights sleep anymore? Have the pharmaceutical companies run out of Zolof? Is it the end of the world? Just what on earth is going on these days?
From experience I’ve found that when my relationship with God is in a tailspin, my relationships with others follows suit. The less intimate I am with God, the less patient and forgiving I am towards others. The more I avoid communicating with the Lord, the more critical and judgmental I find myself being towards those around me. In a nutshell, how I interact with others is a direct reflection of how I am interacting with God.
Joseph was able to forgive his family for their despicable acts because he remained in constant contact with God while rotting away in an Egyptian prison. Stephen exercised love towards those executing him with rocks because he spent his last moments on earth looking into the face of God. Jesus was able to forgive those who crucified Him because He had spent the previous night in fellowship with the Father. Real love always originates from the throne of Heaven.
Reading the writings of Gandhi won’t bring an end to human warfare. Reciting speeches from Martin Luther King Jr. won’t eradicate racism and bigotry. Watching Dr. Phil won’t bring about familial bliss. Our only hope for restoring broken relationships is to be able to see others the same way God sees us. And that won’t happen without spending time with Him.
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