It is NOT OK!




 There is a time when good-hearted, mature, responsible people need to clearly say, “It’s NOT OK!”  There is a time when “adults in the room” need to stand-up and say that is enough.  It has become very clear that 2024 is a time when caring people need to lovingly and firmly say to everybody that what is taking place in the world is definitely NOT OK!


It is NOT OK that so-called leaders around the world continue to choose violent solutions.  It is NOT OK that wars, mostly grounded in greed, continue to rage.  It is NOT OK that countless children and innocent people have their lives permanently altered and destroyed.  It is NOT OK that many people continue to support political candidates who need to step aside for the “good of the country.”  (There is a phrase that has not been genuinely practiced in a loooong time).  It is NOT OK that deceiving charlatans and “spin” masters constantly muddle the truth.  Anything for ratings and clicks!  It is NOT OK that many are trapped thinking it is weakness to say that you are wrong or sorry.  It is NOT OK that political candidates continue to spread hate and fear (and subject us to some really bad commercials).  It is NOT OK that out of hatred for the other side, people continue to support these reckless individuals.  That is NOT OK!  It is NOT OK for good people to stand by and just watch all this unfold.  It is NOT OK that we do not seek loving and peaceful solutions.


Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.  “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” (Matthew 21: 12,13 NIV)


Jesus was always righteous and loving, but he was NOT OK with everything.  Before he lovingly went to the cross, and before he begged God to, “Forgive them for they know not what they do,” Jesus zealously, passionately, and firmly cleansed the Temple.  He confronted greed and hypocrisy.  He stood up to leaders and power.  He lashed out against evil and misguided acts.  He did it, however, not to win, but because he loved everyone in the world.  Yes, even those with whom he differed or disagreed.


My friends in Christ, I prayerfully submit to you that we need to find a new peaceful loving path in 2024.  For the good of everybody, we need to honestly examine what and who we support.  We need to examine the planks in our eyes.  We need to get to know and love our neighbors.  We need to swallow our self-righteous pride and love our enemies.  If you have noticed, I have not given a cause to champion, a candidate to support, or a side for which to fight.  I know many people on all sides of things, and the huge vast majority of people are loving, caring people.  Each of us has the ability to positively affect everyone we come in contact with.  It is NOT OK to stand idly by.


Today is God’s Present!

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