Have you ever been misunderstood? Sure you have. It’s a part of life. You try to do something helpful and beneficial; and somehow your actions are perceived as being something other than what you intended. Someone has even coined an expression to describe it: “No good deed goes unpunished”.

As I was reflecting on this issue of perceptions and mis-perceptions (is that a word?) I realized that it’s actually a holiday theme, in a way. The life of Christ and the way in which it ended are a good example of our cliche concerning good intentions. After all, no one ever lived a more perfectly selfless life than Jesus, and they crucified Him for it!

History tells us that He was accused of insurrection against Rome, tried and found innocent of all charges, yet still beaten unmercifully and executed on a Roman cross just to satisfy a small group of corrupt, but powerful men.Talk about being misunderstood!

I am often asked some variation of the following question: “Pastor, if there really is a God with the power to change things on the Earth, why does He tolerate so much hate, violence, and evil without acting to end it all?”

Oh, but He has! And He IS!

Every breath of fresh air, every sunrise, every glorious taste of key lime pie reminds me that the goodness, consistency, and generosity expressed within His creation point us in the same direction. He is there, He is GOOD, and He is often misunderstood. (Romans 1:16-32)

A little more than 2,000 years ago He stepped out of eternity and into time and space in order to demonstrate His devotion to us by providing a door of faith (Acts 14:27) through which anyone who desires to know Him may enter into His family.

A little more than 2,000 years ago He gave us assurance (Acts 17:31) that once all who would choose Him have done so, that door will be closed forever and all evil will finally be eliminated once and for all.

Every time I am frustrated by the wicked behavior of people around me, every time I find myself wishing He would put a stop to it all, I take a moment and remember… He once waited for me, even as He now waits for them, and my job is not to judge them, but to guide them to the door. (2 Pet 3:8-15)

Merry Christmas.

Pastor Robert