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 enough is enough. There 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, grounded in greed, continue to rage. It is NOT OK that countless children and innocent people have their lives permanently altered, destroyed, or ended. 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 admit that you are wrong or say that you are sorry. It is NOT OK that many politicians continue to spread hate and fear (and subject us to some really bad commercials). It is NOT OK that out of hatred for others, 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 kind and caring, but he was also righteous. 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 passionately cleansed the Temple. He confronted greed and hypocrisy. He stood up to power and the leaders who wielded it. He lashed out against evil and misguided acts. He did it, however, not to win favor, but because he loved everyone in the world. Yes, even those with whom he differed or disagreed.
My friends I prayerfully submit that we need to seek a more peaceful, loving, and righteous path. For the good of everybody, we need to honestly examine what and who we support. We need to examine the planks in our own eyes. We need to know and love our neighbors. We need to swallow our self-righteous pride and love our enemies. I know many people on all sides of things, and the huge vast majority of people are caring people. Each of us has the ability to positively affect other people’s lives. It is NOT OK to stand idly by.
Today is God’s Present!
