Begin Again By Moving Forward

Here is the connection we need to make: "All wrongdoing is sin" (1 John 5:17) and "sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4). Lawlessness and sin are a couple, and they will not divorce one from the other. There are no irreconcilable differences. Do not allow individuals in these ungodly unions to reside in your house. Some people treat this couple as regular house guests, but they are not. Nor are their friends whose resume includes lying, deception, and fraud, among other lawless activities and sin. This criminal activity and disruptive behavior do not contribute to the well-being of individuals, communities, nations, or the world. They are not normal!

We are continually fighting a battle to maintain reason in a chaotic world. Even when we lose focus, there is good news. Every moment of every day, we have an opportunity to find the way back to the Truth by moving forward. First, we renew our minds. Then: "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable" (Philippians 4:8). I tell you this because I believe the opportunity to learn from the Holy Spirit and other humans is always in plain sight. Paul said to his listeners and subsequently to us: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). Scripture tells us to watch and learn from others. When we observe, we will see the lawlessness and sin. These are the times we know what not to do.

Attacking our government's seat is not beneficial to the Republic because it makes a mockery of our democracy. Believe it or not, democracy defines a Republic. Hence, it is puzzling why some people are trying to distinguish between the words: Republic and Democracy. Harsh words are not beneficial to peace of mind because they are toxic to the heart, mind, and soul. Again, it is puzzling why so many high-level officials have taken to using harsh words (even cuss words) to make a point. Making wealth and popularity a priority is not beneficial because these things are vain and temporal. You should "enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life" (Ecclesiastes &:14).

I am a witness that trying God's Word is beneficial to moving forward and beginning again. Don't close your eyes to ungodly behavior. Those who serve the Lord are not quarrelsome; they are kind to everyone, correcting their opponents with gentleness. Rebuke those who confess Christ but embrace lawlessness and sin. "Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things" (2 Timothy 2:7), especially the difference between lawlessness and lawfulness.

We also need to understand that just because something is lawful does not make it right or beneficial. Abortion is legal but is it right or beneficial? Freedom of speech is permitted but is getting in my face (invading my space) right or beneficial? Defending democracy is lawful, but is armed insurrection right or beneficial? We cannot expect lawlessness to compliment lawfulness. We cannot expect harsh words to engender love. We cannot expect wealth and popularity to be a measure that God uses on judgment day. "The day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone's secret life" (Romans 2:16). It's time to stop the madness. In this present age, much of what we see and hear makes a case for not treating lawlessness and sin like normal.

Hope from God and in God is a powerful antidote for bad beginnings. Those born blind find hope in their sense of smell and their other feelings. Those who lose a limb find hope in medical and technology breakthroughs. Many people die naturally and kill themselves because they lack knowledge. As a mature child of God, we understand that knowledge is a Fruit of the Spirit, and when consolidated with hope, we use it to stay optimistic about the future.

Be open to the idea of being born again, which comes with abiding in the Way and the Truth. With confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23). God is forever faithful, and we are called into His service to serve faithfully with His Son Jesus. Our reasonable service as a member of the Church that serves the High Priest appointed by God. "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:13, ESV). We continue to have hope in our Lord and Savior even though we cannot touch the flesh that covered His body when He was born into this world and walked among us. Whatever was written before was written for our learning.