UTOPIA

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

Is it even possible to hope for a utopia right now? Is it possible to hope that everyone would love each other? Is it possible to hope that broken relationships could be mended or that wars would cease? Is it possible to knock every barrier down that separates us? Is it possible to include and never exclude? Is it feasible to help all the homeless, downtrodden, hopeless, and helpless ones? Yes! It is possible to hope, but the probability of that happening before God sets up His kingdom on Earth, is next to nothing.

Two things is all it would take to achieve these possibilities; 1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. 2. Love your neighbors, as yourself. Two things God asks of us.

Just imagine everyone living in harmony and peace; placing each other first. No one cutting in line, or honking a horn because you hesitated at a green light. No one blaming you for their mistakes. No one cheating on a test, or taking something that isn’t theirs. No one killing, saying it’s in the name of God. No one using the Lords name in vain. No one cursing, or complaining, or lying. No one criticizing, or bickering, or pestering, or name calling. No one with a prideful attitude. No one that demands their stance is the only way to go. No one passing judgement. No one drowning their pain in drugs or alcohol? This would be a true utopia for sure.

Two things: Love God and love each other.

This means we also need to forgive others of their wrongdoings to truly love them, and we need to see other’s through the lens of God’s eye. Do we see our neighbor as our child; one we created in love, one we adore and nurture? Do we see one inflicted by the injury of injustice, which is the motivation of their actions? Can we get to the root of the evil, or at least trust the one who can?

Can we truly turn our other cheek, and let them take our sweater, and our coat, trusting that God will provide our needs? Can we cease rationalizing our lack of concern, and adopt an attitude of caring no matter what? Can we love the girl who just had an abortion, or is it easier to spew words of condemnation? Can we love the gay couple or is it easier to stand behind a Bible, with hate in our eyes? Can we give, love, and share until it hurts? Can we cry for others in pain? Can we sit in the stench and squalor of the destitute, holding their hand without holding our nose? Can we be patient, and kind? Can we really love like that?

Two things could do all this, just two things alone; love and love!

To the One who has overcome the world: Help us in our sinful nature to love you with all we have in us, and to love others as you love. Through the Christ of peace we most assuredly can. Amen