In the past every time I heard the phrase 2020 I thought of perfect sight. Unfortunately, even though that bears true with our vision I don’t think anyone will ever think of the year 2020 as perfect. I don’t know about you but I’d like a refund on my trial of the year 2020! I am sure many of you feel the same way.
There is a wonder of will things ever be like they were before the virus? Following the arrival of the virus and being home bound we found out that killer bees had arrived in America. After that, it was announced that millions of cicadas are about to emerge out of the ground and literally “bug us.” It almost feels as if we are reliving the 10 deadly plagues of Egypt. Currently racial tensions are at an all-time high after the horrible murder of George Floyd in our streets by a police officer. That horrific event has been followed by riots all across America like we haven’t seen in years. Although many peaceful protests are happening, the fact remains that a vast majority of Americans are angry, frustrated, and tired. No matter your personal views I would hope that you can agree we are living in times of political, social, and economical unrest unknown to this generation.
It’s during these times that people begin to take sides and sadly many have already done so. People are debating about these issues on social media with their “friends.” It seems the moment you don’t agree with someone you are immediately attacked and even disrespected for having a different view. People haven’t learned to disagree agreeably. Putting it plainly, I believe this world is completely out of control and desperately needs God! The real question is, “who will you be in all of this?” Will you ignore the problems or dismiss them? Will you amplify the problems and make them worse? Will you stay in your home and pretend the issues will just go away? Will you arm up and go into the street like a vigilante ready to fight against anyone who has a different view than you? Will you shout out your right to the second amendment while dismissing other amendments? Will you live in fear or have courage to help our world become a better place? For centuries this world has been in turmoil. Evil is nothing new. As a matter of fact, everything you see is a direct result of a fallen world that happened thousands of years ago in Eden.
Everything evil that we see is a result of mankind walking away from God. The virus, war, hate, racism, riots, death, and all things evil are the results of a fallen world. We have recently been reminded two things: 1. We live in a fallen world, and 2. We have been reminded of our mortality. Sin and death are a part of this world. However, we can all overcome this world through the power of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only one, and the only way to bring humanity back together! I want you to know it will take “courage over fear” for you to truly follow Jesus in this broken world. As God told Joshua “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”(Joshua 1:7–9)
I encourage you in all times to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Be strong and courageous no matter what is happening in this fallen world. This Sunday as we reopen our facilities at South Side we will begin a new sermon series entitled “Courage Over Fear.” We have a great social distancing plan for every age to have a safe worship experience. For more information visit us on Facebook, or on our website at: www.southsidewch.com and click “reopening plan.” We hope to see you this Sunday at 10:15!
In Christ,
Barry Pettit
Lead Pastor
South Side Church of Christ
www.southsidewch.com
