Que Será, Será.
Whatever will be, will be.
The future’s not ours to see.
Que Será, Será.
This old song recorded back in the 50’s popped into my head this week as the commentators droned on and on about the elections. I don’t mean to be flippant about our current circumstances, but between the pandemic, racial unrest, and political turmoil, I am about ready to wave the white flag. Everything feels a bit like a roller coaster that never ends. I can take the flips, dips, and turns when the end is in sight, but it feels like we are becoming accustomed to—dare I say, desensitized to—dissension and strife. The roller coaster life is becoming the norm, and it is taking its toll. We may be tempted to just excuse ourselves of any responsibility and say, “Que Será, Será,” which literally means whatever will be, will be!
When you think about it, there is some truth to this familiar phrase. As believers we know part of the Christian walk is trusting God’s sovereignty. He is in control, not us. However, He also calls us to join Him in His work. We cannot allow ourselves to be tempted to hide away in our own little bubble when the outside world threatens us. Rather, we have a responsibility to live in stark contrast to the world.
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! Ephesians 5:8
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14
The division in this country is real. As Christian educators we must be part of the restoration process. We have an opportunity to influence the next generation. It is a charge to take seriously. It doesn’t matter how small or big your sphere of influence is. You may feel insignificant, but remember that you were chosen! God will and can use you in unimaginable ways. Will you let him?
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. John 15:16
For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; I Corinthians 1:26-27
We can live out our Christian walk victoriously, changing the world one person at a time. What is God calling us to do? Let’s look to His Word. This is not an exhaustive list, and most of these charges will look familiar. The bigger question is we whether or not we are purposefully choosing to live our lives characterized by these truths. I would venture to say if every Christian did, we wouldn’t be in the mess we are in today.
1. Exhibit love. Love like you are loved by God. Choose to love even when others are undeserving. Give when others are taking. Seek out the best in others. Sacrifice if necessary. Exhibit love.
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. I John 4:7
2. Practice edification. Uplift others. Say what is needed in love. Seek to help, not hurt. Practice edification.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11
3. Take responsibility. We will mess up. One of the worst things we can do to ourselves and others is pretend we are perfect. When we hurt someone or simply do something wrong, we have to be vulnerable and come clean. We are fooling ourselves if we think God doesn’t see our deeds. The Bible tells us in Psalm 139 that He knows our thoughts and our words before we speak them. Take responsibility.
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Proverbs 28:13
Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. Acts 3:19-20
4. Promote justice. If you see something, say something. Our world is full of injustices. As believers we must stand up for those who are marginalized. Jesus and His disciples were men of action. So must we be. We can no longer remain silent. Promote justice.
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. Isaiah 1:17
5. Speak truth. Misinformation is everywhere. There is no shortage of opinions, but what is true? God’s Word alone is truth; there is none other. How will we ever heal this land without it? We must speak God’s truth in love. Is there a conversation you need to have? If so, do it! Speak truth.
“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.” John 17:17
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
6. Exercise trust. Depend on Jesus—not yourself, not your spouse, not your job, not your wealth, not your health. Put all your eggs in one basket. It is only through our saving faith in Jesus Christ we can find a place of peace and calm assurance. Exercise trust.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6
Let’s not adopt a que será, será approach to our Christian walk. Never underestimate what God can do through you. Let’s be part of the restoration process, pouring in to the people God has placed in our sphere. There is so much we can through a life of obedience. The future is bright!
And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8