It is hard to turn on the news these days without seeing a story of tension, protest, and even destruction in numerous cities of America.  Some people march peacefully; some are being arrested for their crude, defiant, rebellious behavior.  How ironic when I see people who despise president-elect Trump so much so that they damage the community, a community that actually voted against him and for Clinton.  Yeah, makes no sense.  But many people have lost common sense.  Perhaps, it’s not so common anymore.  If you have it, hold on to it!  There are those who will seek to rip it away from you.

As I pondered the Scriptures about unity and peace, something our nation needs desperately, I was led to the following verses in Ephesians, chapter 4, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³ Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism;⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (vv. 1-6)  

Notice Paul’s situation as he writes about unity and peace.  He is in prison.  In prison.  And notice where the people are who are rioting.  On the streets in freedom.  In freedom.

Oh the irony.  May we use our freedom not to slander or hurt others, but to live a life worthy of the calling we’ve received.  It’s a calling of faith in Christ, to love God and love others as yourself.  As we do, we’ll keep a unity a peace.  But before we can keep it, we must obtain it.  In order to obtain it, we must receive it humbly at the cross of Christ where our sins are forgiven and we can see others in the same mercy God has given us.  But for those who reject God and His love and mercy, the streets of irony will continue as their playground.  How sad.

PRAYER:  Gracious Father in Heaven, pour out Your Spirit into our hearts and minds to seek You, receive Your gifts of peace and unity, and strengthen us to live and share in this beautiful life You’ve granted us until the day comes when You welcome all believers into paradise where the streets are made of gold, not greed.  Amen.