Issues, Issues, Issues

[HKHaugan]

Sometimes when you are in the midst of crises there is a certain insecurity, a consciousness of being very much alone and a sense of being at the mercy of circumstances over which you have no control. Life is above and beyond you and the moment consumes you. It is not eased either as you begin to assess the social, political and economic environment. Division and its conflict create an air of anxiety. This is the situation Paul was speaking to when he wrote his second letter to the Corinthian Christians. He knew they were being attacked on all these levels. But what he knew further was the spiritual condition behind it all. He knew that the devil was the prince of this world and that all conflict was sourced in him. So he writes, “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (2Cor.1:21-22).”

It is so easy to succumb to the world issues crowding the media and pounding us day by day from every angle. This is what the devil wants, a world atmosphere drowning each heart in a sea of self-centering fright. There are so many symptoms of this spiritual disease around us. Even the most strident of so-called Christian concerns are laced with fear about other religions‘ influence, whether or not political leadership has gone too far to the left, or can we survive the international parrying and thrusting for power. It goes on and on. Our age is not alone in these concerns. Every century is a picture of conflict on every level of human interaction.

At the bottom of it all is the individual human heart. This is the real issue behind everything. It is the individual heart that is the devil’s target. There is nothing he won’t do to keep it in turmoil. His strategy for the human heart is to keep it issue oriented because that is how he gains control. One only has to read Genesis 3 to understand his strategy. Knowing this, one sharp politician suggested, “It’s the economy, stupid!”

A Christian might have a counter reply, “It’s all about spirituality, wake up!” Why do we think Jesus came as an individual with an open heart in the Spirit? Isn’t it because He was getting at the real issue, heart to heart? It’s all about the heart. For Jesus only one issue prevailed, the heart, our hearts, each one. That is what the Cross deals with. Until we face this major understanding, grab hold of the real problem, embrace the overall picture of what lies behind all issues, we will just be trying to put out fires that will continue to rage as long as we avoid the answer. Instead of being afraid of issues, it is time to fear God, repent, open our hearts to the Spirit of God and let Jesus who loves us take control of our hearts. Don’t be overcome by what the media part of the world throws our way. Their weapon is to keep you upset and in fear. Stay informed but don’t stay infirmed.

“Who's can hurt you if you're desire is right with God? Should suffering come because of being right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." Rather let Christ rule your heart. Always stand ready to offer the reason your hope is in Him using gentleness and respect.…(1Peter 3:13-15).”
What we are saying is simply be steady, calm, reassured, knowing you have the Holy Spirit as your strength and the guide for your words. This your time to take up the cross of faith and share exactly who you are in Jesus, what He has done for you and the truth of His death and Resurrection, the solid ground upon which you faithfully stand.

There are two 'opps' that come up every day, opportunity and opposition. It is the Lord who is giving you the opportunity to share Him with everyone you meet. It is the devil who will direct others to be the opposition. Always, always, always remember this, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1Jn.4:4).”