TAKING THINGS AS THEY ARE

 TAKING, AS JESUS DID, THIS SINFUL WORLD AS IT IS

Life isn't always fair.  It isn't always predictable or controllable. Sometimes we can only find peace by accepting life as it is.  Jesus sets the example for us.  Jesus came into this sinful world, not to judge it for what it was, but to put it right.

God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. 

John 3:17

We can’t change the fact that our world is imperfect but we can choose our attitude.  There are many injustices in life.  Good people suffer sickness and all sorts of problems.  Wicked people prosper from unrighteous acts and appear to have all their earthly needs met. 

Jesus took this sinful world as it was and suffered and died to give new life to its inhabitants, even those who gave Him grief while He was living, falsely accused Him, and then tortured and killed Him, all the while mocking Him. 

God graciously says that whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have everlasting life, and that includes His enemies.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.  He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 

Matthew 5:44-45

All of us have made bad choices and walked paths that have caused us pain.  Life with God today teaches us to think and act in ways that are different to the general public.  Are we willing to accept this world as it is and do what God has called us to do to make it a better place for us and for our community? 

The famous Serenity Prayer includes this request of God.  Let’s pray the entire prayer and allow God to work His Will in us.

God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as the pathway to peace; Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world, as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right If I surrender to Your Will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

Not an easy challenge but one that pleases God and for which we can expect His support and help today.  Have a great day.