“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
– Philippians 4:8
We live in trying times. In the last few weeks, we have seen two senseless and irrational mass shootings. We have had a cultural war over a simple chicken sandwich. Our economy worries even the strongest and wealthiest people. The Presidential campaign is not even is full swing yet and the negative tone is already harsh; and, local politics are just now getting into gear. How can we possibly survive these tumultuous and unpredictable times?
We endure the uncertainty through the power of our focus. We have choice. Every time we turn on the news or hear a harsh and negative report, we can choose to focus on it and let it overwhelm us; or, we can choose to focus on the good around us and the primary task we have.
There is still beauty in the world. For every element of evil, there is an essence of good. For every moment of hurt, there is healing. In every example listed above, you can find stories of faith and triumph that rose to the top. Although they may not take center stage in the media, they still exist. We simply have to find them.
But life for us is more than enjoying the good. We have one central mission while we are here on this Earth. It is the one major thing we can control in our lives. When Jesus left us, He charged His disciples, and us, with the responsibility to draw others to Him. We are to serve as He serve and make disciples of those in the world. His commission calls us to put our energy in following Him rather than focusing on the insecurities of the world around us.