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Why Is the World So Screwed Up?

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"This is going to hurt me more than it's going to hurt you!"

Have you ever heard this line before? It's a statement from parents designed to "comfort" their children right before they get a good old fashioned b-whooping.

Somehow I feel that whoever invented this tactic really didn't think things through too well. I mean, what kid hears that and is suddenly overwhelmed by relief that his/her parent is a participant in the pain being inflicted on the posterior?

I'm sure that moms and dads know that as well...so why bother saying it?

That's the question I asked for years, until I became a parent myself. You see, as a kid I was on the front end of more than a few tail smacks - which (I believe) qualifies me to speak on the subject. Typically it was a result of my sarcastic speech, other times a consequence for my stubborn will. In fact, there were a few occasions where the two combined to earn me a free trip to planet pain and back...all the while wondering how my folks would have the nerve to claim that they were experiencing a higher level of suffering.

As it turns out...they were. I didn't figure this out until the first time I had to punish my children. No, I didn't suddenly get an unspecified pain in an unspecified area - but I did feel as if my heart were being ripped out. Suddenly I realized that mom and dad were right all along! At that moment I would have instantly traded the ache in my heart for a pain in my rear - but that's what goes along with the parenting territory. Unless I tied my kids up or turned them into mindless robots that I could control at every moment, they would have the freedom to disobey and face the consequences.

Sometimes I wonder if there was a discussion in the Trinity before the universe was created that went something like this:

"When we bring the universe into existence, they only way to create ultimate love will be to allow freedom of choice."

"Yes, and if we allow that, the possibility exists that our creation will have the option of rebellion - and in doing so will bring evil and suffering into this world."

"Which then means that we would have to endure the sight of agony and torment, and ultimately give our very own life to give them a chance at a happy ending?"

"I think this is going to hurt us more than it's going to hurt them..."

Which is something you need to remember the next time that age old question pops into your head:

"Why does God allow evil in this world?"

I'm not saying you shouldn't ask it. It's a natural thought when you look around and see unthinkable tragedies and unspeakable evil seemingly ruling and reigning over the world that God truly rules and reigns over. And keep in mind that amazing believers (Job, David, Jeremiah, etc.) processed through these issues directly with God Himself, because He is not threatened by our questions, confusion, and doubts.

I'm also not saying I have the complete answer to this question. I'm pretty sure no one will until we get to the afterlife...but what I do know is that since the beginning of time, people have had choices, and oftentimes the freedom of choice brings about the presence of evil. God could have made us like mindless robots without the power to choose to love or reject Him and the freedom to decide between good and evil...but what would be the point? He chose to give us choice, and our choices have brought evil and suffering into the universe. It started with Adam and Eve, and we've been following in our first parents' footsteps ever since. You can point a finger at God and try to pin the responsibility on Him, but when you do that just remember that you have many more fingers pointing right back in your direction.

So why doesn't God just wipe out all evil in one swipe? Let me ask you something...if He came into your school to completely eliminate everything that was wrong, do you think you'd make the cut? I know I wouldn't.

No, evil and suffering are inoperable cancers that are completely embedded in our existence. That's why God Himself chose to come down from heaven, live a perfect life, die a horrible death, and come back from the grave to prove that this evil reality is not the only reality. Our short time here is only part of the story. God made a way for us to eventually be free of all evil and suffering - which is the best hope we have while we go through this life. The afterlife we look forward to is completely pain free, bought and paid for through the pain of God's Son...

Which is why it hurt Him more than it will ever hurt you.

Head: What you need to know about this truth

God created the universe with freedom of choice. Adam and Eve chose to disobey God and therefore brought evil into our world and our nature. God is not responsible for evil, but allows it as a part of His ongoing commitment to free will.

Heart: What you need to feel about this truth

This truth should help you discover a different perspective on suffering and forgiving others. Here's a great story that illustrates this point:

One of the most powerful prayers in the midst of suffering I have read was uncovered from the horrors of Ravensbruck concentration camp. Ravensbruck was a concentration camp built in 1939 for women. Over 90,000 women and children perished in Ravensbruck, murdered by the Nazis. Corrie Ten Boom, who wrote The Hiding Place, was imprisoned there too. The prayer, found in the clothing of a dead child, says:

O Lord, remember not only the men and woman of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all of the suffering they have inflicted upon us: Instead remember the fruits we have borne because of this suffering, our fellowship, our loyalty to one another, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart that has grown from this trouble. When our persecutors come to be judged by you, let all of these fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness.

(courtesy: www.sermoncentral.com)

Hands: What you need to do about this truth

Of all people on earth, Christians should have the most compassion on and offer the most help to those who are suffering. Yet unfortunately we are often characterized as the most non-compassionate folks around. This needs to change, and it starts with you. You do not need to look very far to find people who are hurting, so what are you waiting for? You don't need any special skills, most often, time and a listening ear will do. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or nursing home. Visit people in the hospital or in jail. The options are endless, but the point is...get busy!