Broken

Yesterday was “Canada Day.” It’s somewhat equivalent to our “Independence Day” celebrated in the United States on July 4th.

Canada Day celebrates the anniversary of the Canadian Confederation which occurred on July 1, 1867, in which Britain recognized Canada as a “kingdom with its own right.” Informally it is referred to as “Canada’s birthday.”

Like Americans in the USA, Canadians are very proud of their country. Yesterday there were flags flying. Celebrations. Bar-b-ques. Parades. Musical entertainment. And, of course, fireworks.

However, just a few weeks ago, “an Ipsos survey, conducted online with over a thousand participants, indicates that a significant 70% of Canadians perceive their country as “broken,” a sentiment that resonates most strongly with the Canadian youth and Conservative voters.”

Interestingly, the sentiment is the same in the United States on the eve of our Independence Day celebration. A few months ago one ABC News/Ipsos survey revealed that over 75% of Americans believed the country was on the “wrong track.” Only 23% believed the US is headed in the “right direction.”

In both North American countries there is a sizeable conservative number who are concerned about the eroding values that we once held dear. It seems, however, that both countries are seeking to solve the “broken” and “wrong track” issues with political solutions.

The fact is we live in a broken world. Broken by rejecting God’s moral and ethical standard. Broken by the wicked deeds of wicked people. Broken by Satan’s schemes. Broken by sin.

However, this is not new. Prior to the flood in Noah’s day, the Bible says,
that “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5).

History records the rise and fall of nations. Their demise is precipitated by their brokenness. Idolatry. Immorality. Insolence. And ignorance of Divine principles. All of these and more contribute to a broken world.

As both our countries seek reforms through a change of Presidents, Prime Ministers, and other elected officials, let Christians be reminded and all others be advised the Jesus Christ is the answer to a broken world.

The Old Testament warned God’s people not to put their trust in “princes,” “horses,” and “chariots” (Ps. 20:7; Ps. 146:3; Isa. 31:3). In other words, don’t rely on military might, weapons of war, and political leaders for the security of your soul. The Psalmist penned this exhortation.

It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in man.

It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in princes.
(Ps 118:8-9)

Jesus came to set men free from the shackles of sin. To heal the broken hearted. To cleanse the soul. To give us an abundant life. To serve as a beacon of light. To reveal Truth. And provide a way to the Father.

When He came to His hometown of Nazareth and entered the synagogue, Jesus took the Isaiah scroll and read these words which he affirmed were fulfilled in Him.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
(Lk. 4:18-19)

The world is changed when hearts are changed. One person at a time. Christians are charged as Christ’s ambassadors to be “the light of the world,” and “the salt of the earth.” Let’s not lessen that light, or lose our “saltiness” by an inordinate allegiance to a political party or an excessive devotion to flawed leaders.

Broken. That’s the realization in today’s world. The problem is most people don’t know why or how we’re broken. Let’s show them the way.

There is help. There is healing, There is hope. There is a Savior.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman