Millions tuned in to watch the 2010 winter Olympic games hosted in Vancouver, Canada. Folks from almost every nation watched and for a few weeks, the world became a much closer community. A similar event is now underway, creating at least a tidbit of unity in the world, the 2010 FIFA World Cup of Soccer, being hosted in South Africa.
Millions tuned in to watch the 2010 winter Olympic games hosted in Vancouver, Canada. Folks from almost every nation watched and for a few weeks, the world became a much closer community. A similar event is now underway, the 2010 FIFA World Cup of Soccer, hosted in South Africa.
Sports have a tendancy to bring out a spirit of comradery in people, especially when it is on a world stage. I’ve seen some of the matches, and have cheered for nations from around the world. And yet, as pleasant as a sporting event is, and as much as it will capture the interest of people from the nations, it cannot bring true peace and unity to the world. It is a momentary pause, a temporary togetherness of the human race, but provides no lasting answer to the troubles and issues which plague the earth.
Politicians also make their efforts to establish unity in our fractured world. Canada will be hosting both the G-20 and G-8 summits this summer. The G-20 will focus on international economic issues, while the G-8 addresses other topics such as health, education, security and peace. The intent of these meetings is to improve relations and situations among the nations of the world, but unfortunately such will not be the result. A host of protestors and activists will also be at these events, who will show themselves to be domestic terrorists by their violent activities.
Neither athletes nor politicians are going to unite the world. These simply serve as momentary distractions or stark reminders, as the case may be, of the division and troubles that exist. No number of friendly matches or unifying peace accords will result in unity.
There are some who understand that the answer is spiritual. That is because the problem is spiritual. Sin is at the root of the troubles and trials that plague the world. That is not to say that every little issue we face (ie. a common cold) is the direct result of sin, but an acknowledgement that were it not for the presence of sin in the world, things would be much different.
We cannot undo what has been done – it’s not possible to take sin out of the world. However the Lord has provided a solution whereby our sin can be forgiven, the penalty of sin removed, and peace and unity can reign in our lives and communities.
The apostle Paul stated,
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)
It is possible to enjoy peace that surpasses understanding and joy beyond measure (Philippians 4:4, 7). And this peace and joy is available to all willing to come to the Lord. We’re told that “…God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself…” (2 Corinthians 5:19)
Friend, our hope is not in the world or anything that the world offers. It is in Christ alone that the entire world can find peace and hope. The Bible tells us what is available “in Christ.”
- Redemption (Ro 3:24);
- Eternal life (Ro 6:23);
- God’s love (Ro 8:39);
- One body (Ro 12:5);
- Sanctified (1 Cor 1:2);
- Justified (Gal 2:16)
Galatians 3:28 says,
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Racial, social & gender barriers all disappear in Christ. These are all prevalent in the world and bring with them all kinds of troubles. In the world, Jesus says we will find tribulation, but in Him, we have victory through faith (John 16:33; 1 John 5:4). The Lord Jesus has the power to give unity and peace in the here and now, and in eternity. Turn to Him and live!
Links: YouVersion | GROW magazine
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