In the last post I commented on the differences between dictatorships and democracies. I noted that dictators were non-Christian in their behaviour whereas democracies were more Christian in their approach. I suggested that you consider which way you lean.
The following table may help you in that process of self-reflection. In viewing this table please realise that it displays the extreme ends of a scale ranging from the perfection of Christ to the absolute evil of the Anti-Christ.
CHRIST | SATAN OR THE ANTI-CHRIST |
Loves everyone | Hates and takes revenge |
Joyful, happy | Miserable, bitter |
Peaceful | Aggressive |
Patient and understanding | Intolerant and critical |
Empathetic and kind | Cruel, sarcastic and vengeful |
Thoughful and honest | Thoughtless and a liar |
A good person | An evil person |
Charitable | Selfish and power hungry |
Modest, unassuming | Puffed up with pride, egotistical and arrogant |
Tolerant and accepting | Judgemental |
Faithful | Unfaithful |
Gentle | Harsh |
Has self-control | No self-control |
Trump, Putin and Kim Jong Un
I now suggest that you consider the leaning of the American President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un.
You may not know much about them. Alternatively, you may idolise them. Perhaps you are unaware of the truth. Dictatorial regimes closely control information and lies abound. That may even happen in democracies if powerful people gain control of the media. Obviously, serious reflection is required in every case. It’s not my place to state the obvious. Just look critically at how those leaders behave and whether they place undue emphasis on strength or charity.
End of the world
I have no idea whether we are reaching the end of the world and neither does anyone else. Despite that there are many who consider that to be the case. It’s not surprising bearing in mind the dramatic events that are unfolding worldwide at the moment.
The one thing I do know is that many people in the world have moved away from Christian belief. I think that’s a shame. After all, to follow Jesus Christ means to make a real effort to adhere to the values in the first column of the above table. That, together with genuine belief in Jesus, brings us love, absolute peace, and the absence of anger and fear.
Leave a Reply