THE BIG PICTURE



If my people, which are called by name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

     We hear this quoted and see it posted on social media frequently, especially during trying times. The current COVID 19 pandemic has many people frightened, and many are turning to this verse for comfort and reassurance.  With constant news updates and opinion pieces available around the clock, the big picture is overwhelming.
 
      And sadly, I see many of the same people who share this and other verses of comfort and reassurance also sharing scathing, hate-filled posts denigrating one side or the other of the political leadership of our nation. And while criticism is warranted, the constant focus on the negative of the big picture keeps us from fulfilling our part of the agreement implied in the verse.

      If we truly are his people, our command is to humble ourselves and pray, turn from our wicked ways.  That’s directed to us, you and me. It means stop spreading hate. We can’t humble ourselves and turn from our wickedness while still filled with hate, whether it’s hate for our brother, our neighbor or our elected officials. Even if we are sure we’re justified, hate is hate, and it goes against God
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      The verse doesn’t say “If our leaders in Washington,” or “If our President.”  That’s the big picture. We need to focus on the small picture, our own personal sinful ways. Focus on the neighbor you haven’t checked in on. Focus on the family member you need to forgive. Focus on the small ats of kindness you see around you. Focus on your own attitude, the small picture. We need a revival in this country, but it’s not going to start at the top. Change doesn’t start with the big picture. Change starts in the individual heart, the small picture. And the small picture is what God is interested in, when he calls us to seek his face.

     Turn off the news and quit focusing on the big picture. Stop focusing on and spreading fear and hatred. Love your family, love your neighbor, take care of the small picture and leave the big picture to God.
  

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