What’s Wrong With These People?!

by:  Cris Corzine-McCloskey

I was just on the receiving end of someone’s road rage. In his defense, I was the one in the wrong by pulling out when he had the right of way. But I caught my mistake, waved apologetically, and mouthed, “I’m so sorry!” In return, he gave me a gesture that let me know all was not forgiven, the dreaded double birds! His anger was so disproportionate I couldn’t help but wonder what was wrong with him. I find myself asking that a lot lately.

Anger and hostility are spreading like cancer in our society, but Jesus told us this would happen. He said there would come a day when depravity would run so rampant people’s love would grow cold. That’s a perfect description of our world. But if love is growing cold, what does that mean for those of us who follow Jesus?

According to the Bible, we are appointed a time to be born have a purpose to fulfill in our generation. As believers, we are handpicked by God to represent Him and demonstrate His goodness to this crazy, angry world. We are supposed to “shine like stars in this crooked and perverse generation.” However, when we get caught up in all the anger and insanity, we are not shining or showing His goodness; we are showing our behinds!

The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus’ most famous teaching. We Christians quote it, but we aren’t so good at following it. Jesus said our purpose is to give the world salt and light. Salt seasons the world with the flavor of God’s goodness, and light shines to show His love for fallen humanity. At the Last Supper, He expanded our job assignment to include abiding in Him, so we will bear fruit to feed a hungry world. The fruit we are supposed to be developing is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

Considering my job assignment, people aren’t here for my convenience or to be nice to me. They don’t owe me a darn thing. Because my Father in Heaven has already given me everything, including a Kingdom. No, they aren’t here for me. However, I am here for them, and I owe them an accurate demonstration of my Father’s love for them.

My Father loves this whole world (even double-bird flipping road-ragers) so much, He gave the very best He had. He gave us Jesus. Jesus lived, loved, healed, and died a criminal’s death to demonstrate the love and heart of the Father. He told everyone that if they had seen Him, they had seen the Father. I wonder what people see when they look at us. I want my tombstone to read, “Because we have seen her, we have seen Jesus.”

Recently, I was coming home via the square in Marion. I yielded at my yield sign, as did the driver who had the right of way. She was clearly confused, so I impatiently waved her through. She turned to me, waved, and gave me the most brilliant smile. It was like the light of God’s love flew out the window of Heaven and embraced me. I am not exaggerating. It took my breath away. In just that simple act, she salted me and lit up my day. I smiled the rest of the way home. That, my friends, is the power of God’s love.