June 27, 2020
Our Answer for a Broken World
How do we fix broken?
The wrongful death of George Floyd and its aftermath reveal a sad truth: we are a nation populated with broken and hurting people.
The cries of protesters shine a disturbing light on the ingrained pains of broken communities wounded by years of racism, fear, and hatred. Lord, show us how and where we’ve added to the pain.
The carnage left by lawless looters bears witness to a simmering, selfish anarchy that exasperates the struggles of broken-hearted victims. Lord, show us tangible ways to help the hurting.
The angry political divisions at all levels exploit brokenness for personal gain and ideological advantage. Lord, with renewed fervency we pray for spiritual revival in our land. Please begin with us.
So, how do we fix broken?
We, at Camp Lebanon, believe there is one answer. Jesus – and only Jesus – can fix broken.
True reformation begins by accepting personal responsibility for personal brokenness. Officer Derek Chauvin and his partners are broken people. George Floyd was a broken man. We, too, are all broken. Our shared “virus” is sin and the consequences are separation, shattered lives, and ultimately death. Unfortunately, blaming others fixes nothing. Our first look must be inward and the second upward, as the fix for brokenness requires a Savior. The next look is outward with an eye for reformation.
Thankfully, the Bible shares the “Good News!” about true reformation. Titus 2:11-14 declares: “ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself up for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”
The Gospel has no room for racism.“The grace of God has appeared to ALL people.”
The Gospel calls everyone to repentance.“It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions…”
The Gospel identifies the fixer.“Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
The Gospel offers a fix that is more than skin deep , penetrating to the very heart of the problem. “Jesus gave himself up for us (on the cross) to redeem us and purify for himself a people that are his very own.”
The Gospel also describes the outcome we all seek. “A people eager to do what is good.”
Unlike society’s failed attempts using force, threats, and shame, God’s fix grows from the inside out. Colossians 3:12-17 instructs us to: “Rid yourselves of anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Forbear with one another…forgive as the Lord forgave you… And over all these virtues put on love.”
Whether culture agrees or not, the Gospel summons all Christ-followers to action. The God who created our differences calls us to embrace rather than despise them.
Because we want to love like Jesus , we will strive to displace racism with the Savior’s love for all humanity.
Because we identify with Jesus , we stand against all things the Bible calls evil, including our own prejudices.
Because we’ve been transformed , our interactions can illustrate God’s reconciliation for the world to see.
Because we long for heaven’s joy , we must work harder to promote a growing diversity that mirrors the choir of Revelation chapter seven, where saints from every tribe, nation and tongue declare praise to God.
How do we fix broken?
One life…one decision…one act of kindness at a time…all in the name of Jesus.
