Again from M.L. King in "The Strength to Love."
Especially common in our highly competitive society are economic fears, from which...come most of the psychological problems of our age... And consider, too, the multiplication in our day of religious and ontological fears, which include the fear of death and racial annihilation. ...our fanatical quest to maintain "a balance of terror" only increases our fear and leaves nations on tiptoes lest some diplomatic faux pas ignite a frightful holocaust.
I know it was the early 60's when this was written but it sure has the feel of today. Between the economics of the day and the threats of war and terror, the world is still able to keep itself as a brewery of fear. It is no wonder gun shops are telling of record sales in the past few months. We can easily convince ourselves that we know the best way to secure ourselves from the break down of society and the violence of the world. Unfortunately, our ways have a long history of adding to the break down of society and the violence of the world. The Reign of God is the domain among us where we can live out of a sense of peace and love. That is a radical new direction that will be laughed at most of the time. It is so radical that we have never let it be our way - thus the ongoing pattern that we have come to know so well and fear so greatly.
Connection: We face fear first in the step-by-step manner in which we move through our individual lives. It is not always easy but it is necessary for there to really be a glimpse of new life.
Prince of Peace, help us to rest within your promised Reign even as we walk within a world that continues to deal in fear. In your presence, we are given a new light with which to see all things and that light opens up the way to your peace. Amen.
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