Dear Brethren:
Making the best of a bad situation, lemonade from lemons, live and learn—we’ve all heard these phrases from time to time and the intent is obvious. Another aphorism, that has made its way through the decades is the phrase: “Never waste a good crisis.” This was attributed to Winston Churchill during the WWII era, though the actual origin is not entirely clear. Regardless of attribution, the phrase referred to the near destruction of much of London and other cities during the intense Nazi air raids. When the cities were destroyed, the need to rebuild with modern processes, new international allegiances, and new standards was imperative.
Similarly, the Covid-19 pandemic offered new opportunities to launch technology platforms like Zoom, Google Meets, and other useful group meeting technologies. Other positive outcomes, despite the overall tragedy of the pandemic, included: a renewed focus on family activities, a deeper appreciation of the miracle of the life God gave us, and exploration of new hobbies, skills, and talents. Of course, the egregious overreach of government and the systematic clampdown of religious worship that took place across the globe cannot be ignored.
It is sad to say that many people turn only to God or perhaps return to the beliefs they were raised on in times of crisis. This could be observed during major events such as the two World Wars, 9/11, the 2015 Tsunami in Japan, and the Covid outbreak, to cite just a few. It is equally sad that people are unwilling to consider repentance and change, but only in offering their pleas to God for mercy. In Matthew 7:21-23, we see just how Jesus Christ felt about such hollow acts of contrition and worship: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” The Christian Standard Bible says here: “Depart from me, you lawbreakers.”
As the true Church of God, we clearly see the chaos that humankind has caused to the peace and beauty that God created. It is true that the world is now often an ugly place, presided over by carnally inspired governing bodies. Still, as true Christians, we do not accept the prospect of bringing our children into a world suffering under the yoke of evil. For we understand that the antidote for this sadness is the preeminence of Jesus Christ, as we read in Colossians 1:13-14: “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” It is vital that we convey this message of hope and joy for the coming Kingdom in our families, our church, and instill this in our children.
Our response to the chaos and crises at hand must always be repentance of our sins and not resistance to God’s correction. Consider the pride and stubborn attitude the ancient Israelites displayed towards God, despite His saving them from a lifetime of captivity and slavery. It is this very human response of mounting a defense when we have failed that can cause us to stumble further. Instead of realizing and accepting the fact that we are being chastened, we may do as the world often describes as doubling down on our excuses and rationalizations.
True Christians have a far better option. Consider the words of the apostle James in James 4:1-2: “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain…”
Jumping ahead to verses 7-10, we observe as the title of the section states in some Bible translations: “Humility Cures Worldliness”: “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
So much of the world around us is clearly unstable and beholden to evil as James points out. Consider the analogy of the bygone concept of a lifetime warranty on a product or a service. What is the value of that warranty if the entity promoting the product is corrupt, and there are no successors to honor the commitment? Consider the false and implied guarantees so prevalent in our worldly systems. Biblical references to the concept of a warranty are not explicit, yet true Christians understand that God is the only Being that can create and honor a lifetime guarantee. In Isaiah 41:10, we see this promise from God: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
At a time such as this, when the evil appears overwhelming, true Christians must be both an island of good news in the storm, as well as a monitor of the Truth and prophetic events worldwide as our Evangelist, Mr. Norbert Link, has been focusing on. We see this in Esther 4:14: “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
There is so much that we cannot change in life and have no control to alter the world around us, nor should we try to do so as it is the Kingdom of God we seek. However, let’s take the opportunity presented by the crises and the storms we face to show our resolve and advance God’s Work. Instead of excuses, we must honor Him with all we attempt to do in His name.
In the service of Jesus Christ,
Frank W. Bruno