The scene was, at best, ugly. People talking at each other, nobody was listening. Accusations of deceit and cheating flew easily across the table, continents, and on around the world. Nothing it appeared was sacred in the conversation; trust was a ghost who couldn’t be bothered to even hint at an appearance. In the end there were no winners only losers.
I wish I could write that this was an isolated occurrence, that I was the only one who participated and contributed to this relationship destroyer. The fact is that “lions roar and bears charge—and the wicked lord it over the poor.” (Proverbs 28.15) Each of us contributes in our own way. There are no innocents for very long in this world.
If you doubt my words I would encourage you to open your eyes and look at what is going on around you, partly by your own actions! Newspapers report situations with a clear twist to the truth. In certain circumstances hundreds of bystanders lose their lives because of the words uttered by “mistake”. Politics pervades even the most well intentioned organizations, so that it is difficult to plot a course without feeling compelled to join the battle on terms set by the enemies of mercy, compassion, and fair play.
Regardless of what you and I think about this, it is life. I often find myself stumbling due to the depressing burden this seems to create and it is then that Divine’s light appears eclipsed by the evil one. For if we are to acknowledge that life contains the lions and the bears we must also come to grips with the fact that God and the Spirit are eternally present, working the angles. Divine’s intent is clear – equality for all in responding to a gift confirmed at Calvary! What a gateway, what an offer! I find that when I see life for what it is, not only the ugly sounds and abuse but also the grace and mercy poured out, I see a world full of hope.
This is life; awesome opportunities for all.
