Random Thoughts after 9/11

Scripture of the week:

John 13:34 “I give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 13:35 Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples—if you have love for one another.” NetBible

Today's headlines:

U.S. Ambassador Killed in Libia

National Journal

Cairo protesters scale U.S. Embassy wall, remove flag

USA Today

This morning at the Men of Mobile prayer meeting, Dr. Mark Foley spoke about growing up Baptist and of his lifelong journey to live an authentic Christian life, based on the Bible's teaching, and not just what he was taught in "Baptist World:". He also exhorted us with the urgency of living out the authentic Christian life now, in this country, in this world, in this time, where the Christian message is being opposed at every turn.  He stated that we are in  danger of losing our Christian heritage in this country if we do not step up now.  

Today's headlines certainly stress the dangers to the American way of life that exist in many parts of the world today.  It has not been so dangerous to be a Christian since the days of the Roman Colosseum when the Roman emperor fed the Christians to the lions.

So what is Jesus' answer to the world? John 13:34-35 quotes Jesus giving a new commandment, one that was as foreign to the Roman world in the first century as it is to our sophisticated world in the 21st century.  "Love one another."  But isn't the world in turmoil, and don't we have enemies all around?  "By this they will know that you are my disciples, that you love one another?" But Jesus, you don't understand, the world is a mess! "Greater love has no man than that he lay down his life for his friends."  But there is an election, and there are lies and slander on every side? "You may have all the great gifts, and faith to move mountains, but if you do not have love, you are nothing." But they killed our ambassador! They are rioting against us in the streets of Cairo. Why, even the democrats left your name out of their party platform last week. "Love one another." But.... "Love one another." ...... (silence)

I don't have any other answer.  Yes, the world is a mess and we have enemies around, but Jesus is clear. If we really want to change the world, the only option is to love one another.  How to do that?  How to really make an impact? How to change hearts? .... I can only agree with Dr. Foley to try to read my Bible and endeavor  to life a more authentic Christian life, loving my brother like Jesus does, whether he is Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Muslim or Jew.  Hey, it's not easy, but that's what Jesus did...