Day of Reflection

Thursday 21 June is the Day of Private Reflection, a day in which we (citizens of N. Ireland) are being challenged to reflect on the troubles that have marred our country in the past, acknowledging the deep hurt and pain caused by the conflict and to cimmit ourselves that we should not permit such loss in our future.
The web address is http://www.dayofreflection.com/

Now, I do hope and pray that good will come from this day and that if people reflect on the past they will indeed commit to a brighter future.
However I am persuaded that THE key element in social and personal change aswell as the only hope of a brighter future is greatly neglected from such days and organizations, as good as they may be.

That key element is Christ.
The root of the problems in our world, let alone N. Ireland can be traced to one issue; sin!
Since Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the garden, every single one of their descendants has done the same. We have all sinned, and that sin that is rooted deep in us has led to all the hurt and pain that we see around us. As sinful humans want their own way and reject God's perfect way we fall again and again to violence, theft, terrorism, rape, homosexuality, child abuse and the list could continue.

But it is not just an issue of stopping these evil and wicked acts and doing good, the problem is that we are all seperated from our Creator God and He hates sin and will cast all sinners to eternal punishment.
Only one Way is given back to a full relationship with Him, forgiveness, promise of eternity in Heaven and The Holy Spirit to enable us to do good works pleasing to God; The Cross of Jesus Christ.

Jesus came, lived a sinless life and when nailed to the cross endured God the Fathers full wrath over sin so that you and I may come to Him. And after 3 days in the grave, He rose, conquering death for us so that we may live forever with Him.

My prayer for those who partake in thius day of reflection is that as they reflect upon the past that they may see that the suffering and pain is rooted deep in sin and seperation from God and that in 'hope' of a brighter future they may believe and trust in The One who died as a propitiation for their sin.