Crisis Reveals Character!
A crisis will only reveal what lies within us and what we really believe and will show our true values and ethics. Crisis does not make people do weird or abnormal things, it only provides the avenue for the true character to be exposed and uncovered. Crisis does not add anything to a person’s disposition, temperament or actions, it only creates an opportunity to exhibit what they have been embracing, concealing and harboring in their hearts all along.
This nation is in a crisis of hate, anger and resentment. The toxic venom of hate, pride and anger and resentment has been unleashed upon this country. It has been spewed out upon every sector, city and culture and not in this nation only. As individuals, races and cultures lift their self-interest and the traditions of men above the word of God we see more disunity and divide.
We see the fallout of that poison as it settles on every walk of life and creeps into the very fiber of our natural genetic makeup, as people rise up in fear, pride and hatred. In this crisis people’s true character and allegiance are being displayed. It is in crisis times that we see what is really important to people and at this time they display the effect and the consequences of their“little g” gods, that are really ruling their lives.
Mark 7: 6-9 He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This peoplehonors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.” He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. NKJ
This uprise in disunity and hate is just another ploy and strategy of Satan, the enemy of God to try and destroy the image of God in mankind. He is using the same coin to destroy humanity, just different sides to that coin. On one side he uses hate, pride, arrogance, entitlement and privilege to stir up hate. While on the other side he uses fear, resentment, bitterness and vengefulness to stir up hate and both sides lead to death and destruction. No matter which way the coin is tossed it falls upon self-centeredness, selfishness, self-pity and pride. It is all about self and not the love of God. If nothing changes the end result will be eternal destruction for whichever side one chosesto fall.
All these reactions are natural responses of fallen mankind as the result of sin in the garden and are the character traits of Satan which are pride, arrogance and destruction. The first reaction of fallen mankind was fear. Fear is what Satan cultivates to get people to respond out of hate rather than lovethey were created to be. The enemy also wants them to believe they are being personally attacked, through their life, theirfamily or possessions. Thereby, they feel they are justified in their position of un-forgiveness and hate which leads to destruction.
Romans 10:2-3 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.
Mark 11:25-26 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” NKJ
Jesus came to restore what the enemy has stolen from us, the love of God, and to give us a new way of living, in the love and the truth of God’s word. Jesus proclaimed that He was the truth and the life and showed us how we are to come to God our Father through Him.
Jesus showed us that the way to the Father is through love of the brethren and to die to self. The only way, we can truly love our enemies and brothers is by the power of the Holy Spirit and dying to our self-interest, self-centeredness and pride.
John 12: 24-25 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
God has told us what He wants from His people; to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. 1. We are to do justly: that is to do the right thing and never stop even, if we are not treated justly. 2. We are to love mercy: to forgive everybody everything,because God has done the same in providing forgivenessfor us in all things. 3. We are to walk humbly with our God: to walk in humility we must die to self and this can only be done through trust in Jesus as our Savior and the power of the Holy Spirit.
As we die to our self-interests we allow God to use us as His instruments of change in those around us and even to those who may be persecuting and mistreating us. We can trust God with our circumstances and with the outcome.
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy,And to walk humbly with your God?
Most people judge according to their personal affinities, sympathies, cultures and traditions. That is why some people feel justified in their minds to hate and destroy others as a way to keep their place of high esteem and privilege. While others feel justified in their minds to seek vengeance, to live-in anger,hate or resentment because of what they or their culture haveexperienced. When the natural attractions rise above the spiritual truth of God, Satan wins the battle on both sides of that coin.
The only way out of this downward spiral of degradation of pride, hate and resentment is through the love of God which is displayed in the life of Jesus. He displayed the love God has for the eternal soul of all humanity. The soul of a person is eternal and will live forever while the natural resemblances and likenesses that are seen in the flesh will die and cease to be. We should make a priority the things that are eternal, the souls of mankind, rather than the things that are passing away, race, ethnicity with is the flesh.
Let us pray for God to open our eyes to see the truth of His spiritual kingdom so that we may walk in His love. Also, that He will create in us a clean heart and right spirit that we may show His love and bring Him glory on the earth.
2 Kings 6: 7 And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Integrity- People of God 