People long for things that are relentless. This brings consistency that in turn births confidence in what will be. Uncertainty is removed. Sides are clear. Yet we want to be on both sides; just in case the one we are choosing to play with today doesn’t win. We are winners, aren’t we?
The irony is that we are lunging from one priority to another with values as stable as shifting sand. We have no idea where we stand. Our worst nightmare is reality! Just when we think we have a handle on evil we find ourselves mouthing John’s words – “I saw another Beast rising out of the ground.” (Revelation 13.11) A living repeat of a B rated horror movie. Cycles of violence, exploitation, and self-centric behavior freely mix in a world devoid of compassion, mercy, and love. If you push a time of reflection the answer follows the same lines as mine during the past few days.
“I know I could have done better; it is the only thing that works and my time was short.”
“I’m sure there was another way; I took the best one I could find.”
“When deafness pervades is communicating in some language better than none?”
Each phrase paints a picture where we compromise the values of compassion, mercy, and love, toss out any form of unconditional acceptance, and embrace a world were justice reigns, results are all that matter, and human life is cheap! We thought there was just one enemy only to discover that we have embraced the Beast’s child. Evil is relentless and our endurance, strength, and passion weak.
I have no fail-safe formula to inject in your life, only a simple process. I cannot stand and say I have overcome because all live in their “hells” for yet a time. I do know that the answers can be found in God. I find a life worth living there. God is relentlessly pursuing our hearts because of love. Today, in this moment, you and I have a choice that we will need to make relentlessly as well.