Like it or not, we’re connected
My grandson’s favorite ride at Disney World is, “It’s a Small World.” The gentle boat ride with costumed figures singing in a variety of languages tempted us into three trips. As the brightly colored displays sang and danced, particular to the country represented, I thought, “Like it or not, we’re connected.”
We no longer live isolated in our rural homes, small or large cities, or even in our countries. Airplanes travel to anywhere in the world in a day or so. Internet allows us to connect within seconds on our electronic devices.
Our planet is the same size but the ability to communicate so quickly makes it seem smaller. Social media grants the opportunity to converse with others in distant lands. News of what happens around the world is available almost immediately.
Like it or not, we’re connected
It’s sort of scary, I think. We’re watched from satellites above. Our phones reveal our locations to others. Words we post on social media can be read by anyone. Sometimes I feel like the goldfish swimming around and around while the predatory cat just waits for me to swim too close to the surface.
But consider the opportunities for good.
- If, in our ability to connect and cooperate, we worked for good in our world, think of the good we could accomplish.
- And, if we seek our Father’s guidance in our interactions with others, we could share love, rather than adversity and aggression.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. (1 John 3:16)
Love is an action verb
We can put these words of scripture into action by seeking to meet the needs of others, even it means some sacrifice on our part. Seek compromise rather than selfishness, look for the best in others, and share from the bounty of our blessings.
I’m not advocating forfeiting our basic principles of right and wrong. To follow God’s commandments, we must maintain our moral integrity, protect those who cannot protect themselves, and obey our laws.
Love as Christ loves us
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so shall you love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
There it is again . . . if we love like Jesus, we’re going to give of ourselves. Not to die on a cross, but striving to eliminate self indulgence, greed, and power seeking.
But not everyone is our friend.
So how do we learn to love our enemies?
“You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to shine on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:43-45)
As I focused on my grandson’s delight at experiencing, “It’s a Small World,” I prayed that he and all children will grow up in a world where we love one another and seek peace for all people.
Thanks, Kathryn. Bob Goff wrote a book discussing that in Love Does. Yesterday a pastor preached on 1 Cor. 13 and reminded us, the “love chapter” though spoken at weddings, isn’t about romantic love, but living lovingly and as you said, without compromising moral integrity. So many scriptures we could go to that remind us love is a verb.
I remember an old country music song where the singer reminded us that love is something that we do, a verb, as you point out. When we share love in action, we make a difference. Thank you, Marilyn.
I love the “It’s a Small World” ride too, Katherine. May we always reflect God’s love to the rest of the world.
Yes, Diana! When we share love with others, we’re following our Savior’s directive. And we share joy, too. May God bless you as you continue sharing the message.
Your post took me back more than 30 years to when my young children and I did the same ride and loved the performance. As much as the world has changed since then, it strikes me that “It’s a Small World” still sparks the same feelings of hope and connection in our hearts.
That’s what I feel, too, Candyce, “hope and connection in my/our hearts.” Thank you for sharing joy and blessings through your words.
Thank you for your insights, Katherine. Great reminders, especially (for me) the need to pray for those who persecute us. When we love those who don’t love us, we are doing so in God’s power and therefore He gets all the glory! Blessings to you, my friend.
Love your thoughts, Kim, and I agree. When we go beyond ourselves in sharing love, God does receive the glory, because it’s only through Him that we have the strength and courage to love those who don’t love us. Sending a prayer for joy and peace.
Our world has shrunk in many ways. We get instant news from different sources. But our need for love has grown as we’ve seen hate explode in our streets, universities, and world. We certainly need to intentionally demonstrate love.
You say it so well, Debbie. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I pray we can lead the way to showing others (even our enemies) that our Lord and Savior is the pathway to love, joy, and peace. Through Him enemies can become friends and work for His Kingdom.
That is one of my favorite rides also and I love the connection you made to our faith and how we’re all connected. Wonderful message Katherine.
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Yvonne. It’s been gratifying to know so many of us are still “young at heart” and enjoy simple pleasures. I pray we can be good role models for others in sharing our Savior’s love. Wishing you continued blessings in service to our Lord.