Reflection: The history of a civilisation is never static; it is always heading somewhere. Historians such as Arnold Toynbee tell us that civilisations have life cycles that begins with growth, order and optimism, and then die through moral decay, anxiety, infighting and chaos. Interestingly enough, the only thing that has ever reversed this otherwise inevitable cycle, is Christian renewal of a type spearheaded by John Wesley. It is widely credited with preventing Britain from being overrun by the sorts of revolutions that were occurring in Europe.
Christianity transformed the brutal “dominate by cruelty” of the Roman Empire. It also transformed the rapacious culture of the Vikings. It is therefore of some concern that the Western world is turning its back on the greatest civilising influence in human history.
Atheistic media opinion leaders tell us, with barely disguised glee, that Christians in Australia are an irrational, outdated minority group plagued by scandal. Christ’s goodness is no longer being seen. What can we do?
It begins with repentance. The Bible teaches that God’s judgement begins with the church (1 Peter 4:17). A such, the process of change begins when the church repents. Once this has happened, it can then go on to pray passionate, persistent prayers for renewal. This is the sort of prayer that was modelled by Nehemiah when he prayed to God about the parlous state of his nation (Nehemiah 1:5-11).
The final step in bringing about change is the task of sharing the love and truth of Jesus with those God brings across our path. Change comes one person at a time. Without us sharing the revelation God has given us, those around us will ‘cast off restraint’ and lose hope.
We who carry God’s name are called to bring about change, so let’s do so.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please forgive us, your church, for bringing your name into disrepute by our scandals and our addiction to power. We confess that without you, there is no hope. Only you can mend us, renew us and bring hope.