For well over two years now, I have been writing these weekly blogs centered in and around our core values as a company. I follow them in order each week as I go down the WF- PRIDE acronym. How ironic that this week’s blog is on unity and humility, at a time where we see our big cities protesting and rioting the election of our next president. The country is more divided than at any other time in its short history. Unity is needed now more than ever. We need to come together as one country, one nation and get away from the fear and anxiety that separates us. The problem is that I don’t think either side of the aisle has the humility to do so. The Clinton supporters cannot admit defeat – or refuse to admit it – as their pride is in the way. The Trump supporters are having the same humility issues as they gloat and act prideful in their unexpected victory.
Election riots may be a new phenomenon in the United States, but this type of thing has been happening around the world for years. One of the oldest protests and riots that I am aware of happened some 2000 years ago. There was supposed to be a new ‘King’ that was going to lead the Jewish people to victory over its oppressors. This new king, Jesus, did come. But he did not bring the message that the leaders of the time were looking for. His message of love, peace, kindness, gentleness, unity, humility, mercy and grace – even to their enemies, was unheard of. His message was gathering a following and the Pharisees and Sadducees, as much as they tried, could not stop it. So, they took him to the Roman leaders, inciting a riot that led to the beating and crucifixion of the Son of God.
But the story does not stop there. Jesus defeated the grave and rose from the dead. His message is still the same today – unifying believers in Christ around the world. Let’s stop looking at politicians and worldly leaders to do what only Jesus can. Jesus was, and still is, exactly what mankind was looking for and needed. Let’s look to Him as our hope and future of the world.
Matthew 27:24-26 ~ Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!” And all the people yelled back, “We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!” So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.
Matthew 28:5-6 ~Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.
Ephesians 4:2-6 ~ Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
“Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, I pray that you would help unify our country. We have gotten so far away from you. Help us to seek you again as a nation, and as individuals. You are the one and only hope of the world. It’s in Jesus name I pray, Amen.”