For Heaven's Sake

I remember reading in a book once that the problem with my generation is that we all know what we're against and none of us know what we're for.

Harsh and a wee bit generalized, but there may be some truth in that.

I've been thinking about that recently and realized how rather silly it is for us to be united over something we're against if we don't have anything to be united over that we're for.

If you're against war or poverty or racism or eating animals or child labor or parking tickets, what are you for in that?

I would say I am against human trafficking, but that's because I'm for freedom. I'm for people being whole and full and human trafficking violates these things so therefore I am against it. But the difference in being for things instead of against them is that you can no longer stop at eradication. This means I can't just be happy if we successfully end trafficking in America (don't get me wrong--that would be something to rejoice over!) because there would still be a whole lot of people hurting from it out there. If I'm for fullness, then I'm not satisfied until those people are restored and healed. Being for means not being satisfied with ending evil until it is replaced by good.

This applies not just to "causes," but to sin as well. It's easy to be against anything and everything in terms of sin, but usually that sort of attitude only yields guilt and condemnation. Come on, what are we for? What is God for?

I would venture to say that God is a pretty big proponent of fullness and joy and life, so as His follower that makes me a big fan of those things too. Then if I'm for fullness, I'm against gossip because it violates fullness. It tears apart relationships and poisons the heart of the one who embraces it.  Instead, I want to embrace edifying words and encouragement, because those go with fullness. Stopping gossip doesn't lead to fullness, replacing gossip does.

Get the picture? If you are only against something and not sure what you're for in that fight, maybe you need to reevaluate your efforts. If your answer to this is--"Because the Bible says so!"--Great--I'm thankful for your obedient heart! But maybe this is a great time to explore the Word more and see what God is for and therefore why the Bible says to avoid the things it does. This might just apply to relationships in your life too.

Praise the One who is the Giver of all good things.

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Romans 12:21: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

John 10:10: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Isaiah 61:1-3: 
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.