I don’t find myself leaning into panic much these days.
Societal struggle has become the norm. Disappointment and debauchery are daily news. Reality is becoming more and more biased as artificial intelligence replaces critical thinking.
Civilizations go through stages; many have fallen when greed supersedes gratitude. Perhaps we are witnessing the budding of the final stage.
When accountability and responsibility become something to refute and redirect rather than own and grow through, the farm stand theory comes into play: the honor system becomes a fairy tale, morals and ethics are spun as archaic and oppressive, safety is threatened, men are weakened, and humankind loses its compassion and accountability toward one another.
Many people are in short supply of various things these days, from funds to authentic ties. Some have reverted to animalistic behavior, using aggression to handle slights, living as one offended, and justifying their actions without rational thought or consideration.
Consideration. That is an interesting word in and of itself. Without consideration, little is enforceable. When intentional thought and regard for God, others, and self are lacking, what fills the mind and spirit?
What replaces honor when devotion is limited to greed and entitlement?
Perhaps the more important question is what we are willing to do to preserve it?
It is easy to point toward a crumbling society while overlooking the cracks developing within our own character. We can lament the absence of compassion while withholding grace, demand accountability while excusing our own shortcomings, and speak of faith while failing to live it.
God never asked us to measure our righteousness against the successes or failures of elections, societies, or others.
There is a difference between recognizing the darkness and allowing it to determine how we live.
I cannot control the decisions of those in power or the moral compass of those who hold that power.
But I can consider my own intentions.
I can choose honesty when dishonesty would be easier, extend kindness when indifference would be more convenient, and practice gratitude when entitlement seems to be winning.
Perhaps that is where restoration begins… with the acted-upon conviction of individuals who refuse to abandon love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).
I don’t find myself leaning into panic much these days.
I would rather lean into God.
And leave enough room beside me to invite someone else to do the same.
This column was originally published by CherryRoad Media. For more faith-based columns and inspirational writing by Tiffany Kaye Chartier, follow her on Facebook. Her devotional collection “The 4-Minute Reset: For Cultivating Peace, Purpose, and Positivity” is available on Amazon and other major online retailers.
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