June 6, 2021: No Separation
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38–39, NIV).
This is my favorite text in the Bible. So much of life is filled with heartache and pain: loved ones whom I have lost, political division and strife, famine, and pestilence with the COVID-19 virus.
Through it all, I find peace knowing that nothing can take God’s love away from me. Though many question the existence of God, based on all the negativity in the world, this warfare confirms and reaffirms my commitment to God. His promises are a constant reminder of how good He is.
When we focus on negativity, we take our focus off of Christ. That makes Satan very happy. We often focus on the negativity within our church. As a result, many leave the church and sometimes God altogether. I have never understood that mindset, because for me, my salvation is not in the church but in Jesus Christ and Him alone. I love my church, but I also realize it is made up of human beings. Whenever human beings are in charge, there will always be mistakes and deficiencies because not everyone’s focus is on Christ. That is where the problem lies. And this is a constant reminder of the great controversy.
Father, may we focus on Christ and let the Holy Spirit guide us so we will be ready for His soon return. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20, KJV). Amen.
Dunbar Henri is a religion teacher at Takoma Academy in Maryland.
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