This is not who we are!
How many times in the last 12 months have you heard people say about the rage-filled protests, violence, arson, and killings, “This is not who we are”? They seem to imply that such behaviors are extraordinarily rare and in no way characteristic of us.
But do you know something? The more I hear that statement, the more it has struck me: No, actually, this IS who we are! Our true self is leaking out, shameful as it is. Because what people do shows who they really are.
As Jesus said,
You will recognize them by their fruit. No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. (Matthew 7:16, 18)
For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come–sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person. (Mark 7:21-23)
Yes, indeed, what people do shows who they really are. As a nation, therefore, who we are and who we are becoming is frightening!
May I encourage you to take your shock and dismay over all the evil and leverage it for good by turning it into prayer?
Oh, Lord! How desperately we need You! Look at us! How helpless we are under this domain of darkness, blinded by the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly realms. Please deliver us from the tyranny of the devil and our captivity to do his will. Rescue us, please! Turn our hearts toward You. Grant repentance that we may come to a knowledge of the truth. For Your sake we pray this, O Lord. And for the sake of what is right and true and just. Amen.