As I write, wildfires are bearing down on the homes of my family members in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon.
Of course I ask myself, What does it mean? And what should I do? I’m not willing to assign judgment to a particular cause or provocation, however. We evangelicals have played that game long enough, and it comes dangerously close to gloating over someone else’s disaster. I suggest that a bit of reverent silence is in order. I’m a sinner, too.
I know a few things we can do in this unbelievable time.
Love our neighbor better.
Humble ourselves before the Lord, asking him if there is anything offensive in us.
Ask the Holy Spirit to shine a light on our idols, and then smash them.
Deal with our backlog of offenses and unforgiveness.
Reconsider the value of our wealth and possessions, and ask God how and where we should give.
And when we give, keep it to ourselves.
Step out of our comfort zone and associate with groups of people we’ve never associated with before. Find out their needs. Be Christ to them, in humility, without condescension. Keep your words few.
Get together with a trusted friend and pray. Confess your sins to each other. Pray together, as the Holy Spirit leads.
Against such things there is no law.
