The Set Up: In the early 1900’s, the London Times newspaper asked the question, “What’s wrong with the world?” It was early in the twentieth century, and the optimism of the Industrial Revolution and the potential of scientific progress had been shattered by World War I. Men had been gassed and gunned down in the trenches. Sickness, poverty, and rising totalitarianism had darkened people’s hopes and dreams. So, the Times wondered, what’s the problem? What’s wrong with the world. Maybe they were hoping for some inspired essays or political commentary to answer their questions.
One person who responded to their question did so in a way they probably never expected. His name was G.K. Chesterton and was considered one of, if not the, greatest thinkers and authors of his generation. What’s wrong with the world? Here’s what he wrote:
Dear Sir: I am. Yours, G.K. Chesterton.
Chesterton was a Christian and an apologist for the Christian faith. When asked what caused all the problems and pain in the world, his answer was simple. Me. While everyone else was looking around them for the problems, Chesterton looked within. He is a lot like King David in the Bible. David had messed up big time and then done what he could to cover it up. But God didn’t let him off the hook and sent a prophet named Nathan to confront him. When he told David a story about a rich man stealing his poor neighbor’s only sheep, David got angry and demanded justice. “You are that man!” Nathan told David. Boom. Mic drop. David went from anger to ashamed in moments (you can read the story in 2 Samuel 11 & 12). But that’s not where it ended. He didn’t blame anyone else, he reached out to God and asked God to change him on the inside. David, like Chesterton, said, “I am.”
Lent is a season of repentance. It is a time to stop blaming everyone and everything else for the way the world is and ask God to change you from the inside out. As you read David’s prayer/song of repentance, allow God to initiate that change in you.
Biblical passage to read: Psalm 51
Reflection Questions:
· If you were asked the question, “What’s wrong with the world?” how would you reply? What do you think of Chesterton’s response?
· When you read David’s prayer of repentance in Psalm 51, what really jumps out to you?
· How would a change of heart in your life make the world a better place?
Prayer Focus: Father, just like David, I pray that you would create a clean heart in me. To do that, I need you to show me what needs to change and the power of the Holy Spirit to begin that change. In your name, amen.