davidbowerkingwood

There is reputedly an old Chinese curse that says “May you live in interesting times.” The idea here is interesting times will be troubled times and a source of discomfort and concern. I doubt that I’ll get much argument when I say we are living in interesting times.

If one checks the news, one is inundated with reports of mayhem and disaster wherever one looks. Rioting, famine, war, death and numerous other types of terrible things seem to be happening all over the world.

How should we, as Christians, view all of this calamity? We have two clearly defined options; we can walk by sight or walk by faith. Walking by sight is life under the control of the sin nature; walking by faith is life under the control of the Holy Spirit.

Paul points out in the 14th chapter of Romans that “whatever is not of faith is sin.” If we are fearful or even apprehensive of events being described in the news then we are sinning and need to confess our sins and restore the control of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Spirit controlled life is described in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Notice particularly in the context of this article the inclusion of the quality of peace; although there is no peace in the world you can have peace within.

One of my favorite choruses is “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” The words of the refrain are, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

These words are always with me and serve as a constant reminder of where my priorities should be placed; I’ve found it impossible to rejoice in the Lord and worry about world events at the same time. We have the choice of looking at life from the divine viewpoint or the human viewpoint and I’ve found the divine viewpoint works much better.

I am convinced the return of the Lord for His church is imminent. If that is true the things of earth will never again be the same. Although Luke 21:28 specifically applies to the Second Advent, I believe the principle can be applied to the church today. “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth near.”

“Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4 – If you’re rejoicing in the Lord, you won’t be worrying about the world.