Failing systems

(Grace & Grounds is all about purpose, identity and restoration thereof. It is about personal growth and spiritual growth on that journey.) The socio-political and economic systems of the world no longer seem to work. If they did, why is there increasing oppression and civil strife in the world and why do people experience less freedom? In determining the state of our systems, we need to look at the values that people seem to hold dear in general: family and community freedom of expression ability/ choice to work/ earn an income have a home where children and family can be safe ability to learn space to grow into who you are and contribute meaningfully to society Perhaps socialist and Marxist ideas receive such support and interest is because the individual feels lost in the masses and only a small group seems to benefit from the power and position bestowed on them or which they have taken by force. Ironically, socialist and Marxist systems serve the privileged few even more and have not worked anywhere. It therefore may be a case of not only systems failing but also the people in leadership and management not being up to the task. Increasingly there are people in positions of power and authority that abuse that power and authority. Yet the power and authority should be applied for a higher purpose or greater good and serve everyone. Jesus said: "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it abundantly." (John 10:10) It is not about requiring a person to be perfect. We all make mistakes. Designing systems without God's guidance inevitably lead to failure. How much more pain and suffering do we need to cause others before we will see the errors of our ways? Humanity needs restoration as much as each of us individually needs as well. What will it take for us to see that we are not living the abundant life that Jesus spoke about? Consider those struggling to make ends meet, living in poverty and debt. The point is you cannot do well at the expense of others anymore. Jesus teaches us to work with what we have been given and multiply that in the parable of the talents (Matt 25: 14-30; Luke 19:11-27). Nowhere does He say harm someone else to multiply what you have. God's commandments also are clear: Do not steal, do not kill, do not covet what is not yours, don't have any other god or idol except Him (Exodus 20; Leviticus 19). Often those doing harm are not Christians. This means there is a greater responsibility on our shoulders as Christians to stop it and change this behaviour. Are you bringing life or are you bringing death? May God take our hearts of stone and give us hearts of flesh as the prophet Ezekiel spoke about. We often work to have peace and rest but most do not seem to find peace and rest. Jesus said: "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matt. 11:28-30) What is the point of working so hard, if all we have become, are slaves to a system. The systems and technology should be serving us. Not the other way around. Yet this does not seem to be the case.