September 11, what have we learned?

Think about that question for a moment, what have we learned. We learned there is a hatred for America that runs deep in some parts of the world. We learned we are vulnerable. We have learned, as a nation, more about Islam than most of us knew before.

We have also learned some powerfully positive things. We learned when we are under attack, there are no atheist in this country. We learned that we are one country and no one had better not “mess” with anyone white, black, Hispanic, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish. When we are pushed, we stand together. We learned there are still heroes. We learned we are best and we are strong when we stand together.

We also learned our memories are short. It didn’t take long for us to forget we need God. It didn’t take long for us to forget we need each other.

I have learned from our short memories that our faith, as a nation is shallow. It is a faith, for many, of convenience or tradition rather than a true relationship with the Father. This is not something that discourages me but it challenges me to stand in the gap for America, to stand in the gap for those who don’t know, and to stand in the gap even for our enemies.

God has not called his church to be passive, but aggressive. We have not been given weapons of warfare to keep them polished and on a mantle or in a closet. We are not called to be light to hang out with other lights but instead to be lights in the darkness. We are called light because God knew there would always be darkness.

What I’ve learned since September 11, 2001 is that now more than ever the world needs the love that the Lord has given me, the grace He has shown me and that I now live in, and the power that can change lives from fear, anger, hatred, confusion, insecurity, hopelessness, in effect… darkness. Now more than ever this is what the world needs. 9/11 has shown me it is not up to just anyone but it is up to everyone who believes that Jesus Christ is Lord. We have the only answers, the only hope, the only truth, and the only light for a world caught in darkness.

This is not an evil day. This is simply a day to remember the line has been drawn in the sand. Men and women of God all over the world are being called to active duty, on their knees, through God’s Word and their words, with others. We must begin to believe again, “to let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven”. We will bring the only hope to a world in fear. Be the Light!