What the World Needs Now…
MESSAGE FROM  NACFM PRESIDENT GARY ROBINSON

It would be interesting to see how most people would complete the phrase above. Considering the state of affairs in today’s world, I am confident that there could be dozens if not hundreds of answers. Some would be the complete opposite of our own response. It seems like our society prefers to focus on our differences more than our commonalities. This is nothing new.

There are many similarities between today’s social climate and 1965. Those preferring the status quo were shocked by a culture proclaiming sex, drugs and rock and roll as the future. Our nation was divided by racial turmoil. The worldwide pandemic at the time was communism. We were just as divided on how to combat its spread as we are over Covid 19. Our young men and women were dying in the jungles of Vietnam. Our college campuses became host to protests, riots and even death. These were the issues on the mind of the prolific songwriter, Hal David, when he wrote...

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love It's the only thing that there's just too little of What the world needs now is love, sweet love, No not just for some but for everyone.”

In these verses, the songwriter acknowledges the beautiful world the Creator has given us to call home. Still, the plea is for more love. The same is true today.

Where can we find that healing love? Only the love of God has the power to change things. We love to feel the warmth of our Lord’s love, but we recoil at the thought of loving our enemies. It’s easy to love our own, but difficult to accept those that are different. Yet, that is exactly what God is asking us to do.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - John 13:34-35

That’s a tall order. The phrase, “as I have loved you..” sets a pretty high standard. Jesus used the word “agape” in the original text. I find it hard to extend unconditional love to people I like, much less to those that wish me harm. Yet, that is what God extends to us.

We are entering the season that represents the ultimate illustration of God’s love for us, the gift of His Son. Yes, this Christmas season will be different and in some ways difficult. The stress of the season combined with the pandemic will generate words and actions that do not exhibit the love of God. It is up to us to accept the challenge of love Christ issued to his disciples. I know that I have my work cut out for me.

Lord, thank you for the ultimate gift of your Son. Help us strive to be more loving toward our fellow man. Help us to understand that Your love for us is stronger than the divisiveness of today’s world. Give us the spirit of Your love so that You are glorified by our words and actions. Keep us safe during this holiday time and help us remember “the reason for the season”. In the sweet name of Jesus, amen.

Blessings and Merry Christmas to you, my Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
 
Gary Robinson 
NACFM President

P.S. For those too young to remember the above-mentioned song, take a listen here.