I have seen many people talking about revival these days. We want something good to come out of this pandemic. We want people to turn to God. But yet, when I’ve heard descriptions of what that revival might look like, it somehow doesn’t seem compatible with what I know of the heart of God. Right or wrong, the following are ideas I have about what a revival for God could look like in this country.
Instead of promoting my race or religion, a revival would move us to advocate for the rights of everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, regardless of race or religion or sexual orientation. God’s heart is for everyone.
Instead of promoting America first, a revival would move people to stand at our borders with open arms, welcoming and caring for the immigrant and the refugee. God’s heart is all-vulnerable, caring for others at great risk and great cost.
Instead of making sure I get tax breaks and have all my needs taken care of, a revival would cause me to be thankful for the privilege of being able to give up some of my wealth for the good of others. God’s heart doesn’t hang onto privileges, but lays them down for the well-being of the disadvantaged.
Instead of just making sure that a baby is born, a revival would move my heart to care for the needs of that baby throughout life, and the baby’s mother and family as well. God’s heart cares for the whole person not just one issue.
Instead of wanting to criminalize abortion, revival would take into consideration a mother’s life, physically and emotionally and financially, and walk alongside of her as she is making agonizing decisions. God’s heart works with individuals more than laws.
Instead of making sure I stand up for what I consider to be the truth, a revival would look like forgiveness and grace and understanding. God’s heart of truth is always saturated with grace.
Instead of funding wars, a revival would fund programs that meet people’s needs. God’s heart promotes peace.
Instead of trying to prove there is no global warming, a revival would help people to take seriously caring for the earth. God’s heart is for creation. .
Instead of being quick to send people to jail and slow to release them, a revival would help to provide rehabilitation and reconciliation. God heart is full of hope.
Instead of excusing wrongful arrests, a revival would bring about training police in non-discriminatory practices. God’s heart is for true justice.
Instead of promoting freedom to say what we want and do what we want, a revival would help us to be careful with our words and actions. God’s heart is sensitive.
Instead of expecting people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, a revival would help us work together in solidarity to bring healthcare and education and employment opportunities to all. God’s heart is for community.
Instead of standing up for gun rights, a revival would teach us how to solve problems in creative and peaceful ways. God’s heart is non-violent.
Instead of promoting American elitism, a revival would help me to look at things from a world perspective, taking into consideration all nations. God’s heart shows no bias.
Instead of working to make sure we have a Christian government, a revival would help us to maintain separation of church and state, knowing that the church in power has always led to corruption. God’s heart does not “lord it over others,” but serves.
Instead of trying to prove the greatness of America, a revival would help us to confess the sins of the past. God’s heart is humble.
Instead of always working to prove my point, a revival would help me to have open conversations with those I disagree with me. God’s heart listens.
God, I know my vision is not perfect. But, I pray that your Spirit would fill our hearts with your heart; that we would love what you love and act like you would act here where you have placed us. Amen.
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