LOOKING THROUGH THE SMOKE

I watch the television news, read the media reports, and am wide-eyed and open-mouthed at our sheep like ability to be led anywhere the loudest and strongest voice wants to take us.  We have become so enamoured of the screens that feed us entertainment and information that we presume it all to be honest and without bias!

When did we forget that we, like every other nation on earth, are composed of many ethnic groups, many types of people and leaders, that we have those who do good and those who commit murder.  So what exactly allows us to become the judge and the jury on what takes place elsewhere, and begin to join the media generated international howl for blood!  How then do we differentiate ourselves form anyone else in the earth?

When did we Kiwis lose our sense that there is good to be found in each person, each nation, and forget to look for that?  When did we suddenly forget that there are innocents, women and children, godly people, in every nation on the earth?

My heart breaks for the innocent whose lives are being shattered or lost on both sides of the current middle eastern conflict.  I feel for those in Gaza who find themselves caught up in something they never wanted to be part of, and for those in Israel who have been fleeing from Gaza-launched rockets that have been fired into their cities through the months of 'cease fire'.  Which side do we label 'aggressor' in such a situation.

Innocent people are always the victims in wars that have nothing whatsoever to do with such people, but are about the leaders of nations, or factions, battling to grasp or hold power.  When will see that it is the struggle for power, and those who pursue such power for whatever stated ideal, that is the core of the issue?

Is it time to look through the smoke, to begin intelligent investigation of history and cause.  It is time to cease being led sheep like to the conclusion placed in front of us, and begin to use the intelligence God gave us in the pursuit of understanding that will allow us to speak out and walk in truth.

  But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light ...

John 3:21