Proverbs 24:16 For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
“It’s never too late to begin again” – Natalie Ducey.
The social evils that are incinerating our modern society are domestic violence, drugs and alcohol, sexual disparities, poverty, depravity, inequality, and intolerance. Family breakdown, crime and violence has reached its all-time high. It is shocking to note that 1 out of every 3 women and 1 out of every 4 men have experienced some form of physical, mental, or sexual abuse. Childhood trauma particularly, impacts the ability to regulate emotions and causes cognitive delays. So, about 25% of the population is damaged in one way or the other. ¼ of the people who meet at work, church or in the supermarket are scarred by bigotry or scathed by violence. “Life isn’t fair, God is.” – Joyce Meyer.
Everybody has a gift hidden in them, that could have been concealed by the social evils or by traumatic childhood. Susan Boyle, a church worker from a small town in Scotland pursued her dream at the age of 47 years and has become a professional singer! Her first audience at the British TV talent show ridiculed her but the ethos, etiquette or the environment did not stop her. Don’t let circumstances or convictions stop you. It is never too late to start again.
It’s never too late to start again:
- Ethos: Change the ethos and environment. “It’s not what you view that matters; it’s what you see”. When we change the perspective of what we look at, it will change our viewpoint. The early church rejoiced when they were persecuted. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name (Acts 5:41). Suffering leaves some doubting the power of God whereas transforms the wise into powerful personalities. Change your ethos by changing your perspective.
- Education: Education is not just a piece of paper or a degree. Education is maturity, composure, and a balanced understanding of people, culture and their backgrounds. We need not go back to school to gain more degrees, but we can educate ourselves every day. Don’t disqualify yourself, set aside time to learn, study and enhance your knowledge. Get wisdom (Proverbs 4:7a). Partner with the Holy Spirit who is the best tutor on psychology, physiology, and anthropology. Jesus picked a bunch of unschooled illiterates to transform the world. Study the Bible. Spend time to apply God’s word to disintegrate social evils. Change your priorities and acquire knowledge.
- Ethnicity: Our ethnicity is a gift. Our colour, creed and country were God’s choice for us. He has strategically placed us in society to positively influence the country and the community we are in. God looks at the black, brown, white and yellow alike. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7).The closer we get to Him and the cleaner we are on the inside, the brighter and purer we will be. Don’t change your pigment, change your piety, and become fairer.
It’s never too late to start again.
Isaiah 43:18: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Prayer: Heavenly God, help me to shake off the trauma caused by intolerance, ill-treatment and insults and rekindle my gifts and talents.Amen.
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