Are you asking the right questions?

Are you asking the right questions?

‘Time in the Word’ By Clayton Adams A recent sampling of national news headlines includes; “Europe ‘coming apart before our eyes’, say 30 top intellectuals.” “Pop songs have become angrier AND sadder!” “Scientists working on pill for loneliness…”

Locally, we are living through change too. Consider these headlines and editorial from the Evening Times; “Shootings at Walmart has residents rile up.” “Crime must be dealt with in West Memphis.”

“Marion Council meeting draws crowd in search of answers.” People are asking questions, but our leaders do not have the answers we need.

Increasingly we are witnessing crimes against younger and younger people. Slavery continues to exist around the world along with sexism, racism, and whatever “ism” one can think of. Billie Joel’s song “We Didn’t Start the Fire” seems a fitting theme song for our world today; “We didn’t start the fire It was always burning Since the world’s been turning, we didn’t start the fire No we didn’t light it, but we tried to fight.” Well stated Mr. Joel.

We didn’t start the fire, but every generation looks for someone to blame.

From one generation to the next the same question is asked – “Who started this mess?” And the answer is always the same, “We didn’t!” But, we know, each person adds to the fire. Within the human soul there is the potential for unbelievable violence, selfishness and pride or grace, mercy and brotherly love.

I believe the true source of trouble in our world, comes from within ourselves. We can blame nature or the lack of nurturing growing up, each other, the criminal, governmental leaders, judges, whoever, but, the real trouble lays within each human heart.

This is proved out in our laws. We have laws against murder, but a person first kills another person in his or her heart, then comes the physical act of murder. We have laws against racism, but racism exists in the human heart. We have laws against speeding, uninsured vehicles, but just a casual reading of the Evening Times proves these laws are broken daily, even if only accidently. Laws do not “fix” the heart of the issue and that issue is the human heart.

We read the words of Jesus; “… See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.

For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines, and earthquakes.

But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold” (Matthew 24:6-12). The headlines, editorials, gossip and even our songs give reason to be “frightened,” but we don’t need to be frightened.

That assurance we have is greater than the human god (government), its greater than the faith we put in our money, stocks and bonds, or even in each other. Our assurance comes from Jesus.

Jesus speaks a great deal about the end of days, the tribulation and how people will treat each other. Even for unbelievers, Jesus’ words offer’s plenty to think about and seriously consider.

Since Adam and Eve, disobedience, violence and love that “grows cold” has been with us. Thankfully, most of the worlds trouble has been kept off shore of America, thanks to millions of brave men and women who have protected it and continue to protect it. However, the greatest threat comes from within our own borders and one must look seriously at the fabric of our culture that is badly tattered, torn, stained and fast being ripped apart.

Our savior is not another plan or idea from politicians, our Hope comes the Savior, Jesus The Christ, and it is found in His Word, if one chooses to accept it.

Consider what God wrote; “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). Could we be asking the wrong people for the right answers?

Clayton Adams has a message of faith he would like to share with the community. He would also like to hear from you. E-mail him at claytonpadamslll@ gmail.com.