I am finally getting a little down-time. Just time away from everyday routines and demands. And don’t get me wrong, I have a pretty good life, all things considered, in that I am not actively raising small people and there is no one solely dependent on me for survival. But almost everyone can relate to the need to escape the everyday for just a bit. A change of scene.

As I was preparing to leave, I was listening to online radio, some oldies that were a pleasant reminder of my crazy youth, when a song came on that has always caused me to question myself and the songwriter/singer. I won’t call out the tune, because there are many out there that have similar themes, but this morning in particular, the singer pulled me into focusing on why the world is a broken, hurting place. The song went on to suggest that, without religion and God, there could be peace and better things for people in the world.

I have thought long and hard on this subject. I’ve watched news stories on people who kill in the name of religious ideals, and try to pin their poor behavior on God or their misconception of Him. And I am done thinking about it. ‘God’, religion and the like are merely tools in the enemy’s hands to bend and corrupt people to evil acts. God is not the ‘problem’, merely the scapegoat. Man and his endless thirst for money, power, glory and whatever else he thinks will satisfy his need for satisfaction is the problem.

It is so much easier for our finite minds to blame external factors, such as cultures, belief systems and even God, Himself.  A more terrifying concept is to examine our personal landscape, for the root of internal corruption. God’s word says “The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it?” Jer 17:9 ASV

Why? Because the solution is about a change of heart, not just more programs, wars, money and good intentions. Only our willingness to accept change and seek after a good larger than ourselves, that is, the healing power of God, will cause a lasting, real change to take root. When we submit to God, and admit our powerlessness, and start changing from the inside out, that’s when the root of evil, of corruption truly gets dealt with.

Do what you can with what you have, but true change is an inside job. And it’s not accomplished by yourself in a closet with a pile of books or sitting online. We need each other. Our fellowship with each other is our strength, along with the power of God.

Each one of us in recovery can be an agent of change in our world. Bringing the message of true change, freedom and love to a hurting and broken world.  Someone brought that message to us, now we take that message to those that God brings into our path and where the Spirit opens the door. Each hurting heart out there can use the principles of recovery to live a better life that touches others in a positive way.

So, enough blaming God, or someone else for everything that’s wrong in this world. Let’s take responsibility for ourselves and our personal corner of the planet and what God has placed in front of us to be doing, and get down to business.

By your love and grace, dear Lord.

Much Love to all. So glad you are here precious friends.