When hearts are broken open, what shows from the inside?
The pandemic and election have exposed people’s hearts, and on January 6th it showed ugly things in some people. The US Capitol building was broken into and many of us watched the sad, surreal destruction unfold. But though no one predicted this to happen, it was not a shock given the increasing heat in our national conversation.
There were a lot of folks at the Capitol insurrection that seemed to be ordinary people. What they did was illegal and evil; but they told themselves they were doing the right thing. There is a disconnect between terrible behavior and justification of it.
The pressures on hearts
In some folks the pandemic has brought out creativity and compassion. Some have shown bravery and faithfulness in carrying out their duties. For others what has been exposed is self-absorption, complaining about restrictions on themselves while discounting the seriousness of the pandemic. As illness and deaths have risen people have grown numb, or chosen not to believe the reports.
The election has shown other things. Some have organized to bring about change. It has sadly also been a time where people have profited from spreading rumors and conspiracy theories, gladly accepted by people who crave simple explanations instead of difficult truths. Blind allegiance has led to destruction of property, reputations, and our country’s institutions.
What has been exposed in you? This is a very hard time. It is the hardest time period any of us have lived through and the worst in decades. You and I need to look inside.
What are you doing under the pressure?
I ask myself that. On the upside, my wife and I have given to help people with hunger and job loss. And on the downside, I have retreated into my home and had far fewer connections with people than before, even by phone calls or other means that I could stay connected. I haven’t mustered up the energy or courage to share more of myself.
But now it is time to step up. I want to begin to make more impact for the good.
Evil has had its day in the spotlight. It's time for something different to shine.
Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy. Proverbs 12:20