When I look at the terrible things going on in the world, I hear my grandmother’s words: “We are going to hell in a handbasket.” I point to all that is wrong with humanity, like it is outside of me, and the responsibility lies on someone else’s shoulders.
The London Times posted this question to readers at the turn of the twentieth century—What is wrong with the world? As you might imagine, they received many responses, but one, in particular, stopped them cold and should do the same for us. The English writer, poet, and philosopher, G.K. Chesterton wrote this four-word response, “Dear Sirs, I am.”
The more I know Jesus, the truer those words become. As Luke 6:42 tells us, “Take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.”
We all have both good and bad in us. We are born with a natural proclivity toward selfishness and an indifference toward the afflictions of others.
Our natural way is not God’s way.
If we were good enough, why would we need Jesus? Jesus is the disruptive grace that changes our natural proclivity away from selfishness and pride and toward humility and love. He prompts us to care about everyone, including those that think and live differently than we do. As I embrace the way of Christ, I own my part in what is wrong with the world and begin living for something bigger than my goals and desires. I may not be able to change the world, but I can start with the woman in the mirror.
How does God’s truth broaden your perspective?
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