The shaking mentioned in Hebrews 12:28 that’s revving up lately seems to bother some who profess Christ as much or more than some who don’t. Whenever I’m with a group of Christians these days, it’s hard not to notice how many have based their identity in the very world systems that are headed for destruction. They’re becoming fearful and angry in response to the feeling that “their world” is coming undone. Financial security and maybe even social status has figured strongly into their sense of wellbeing. Some have connected “who they are” with a political party, American citizenship, religious denomination or church affiliation. Others have allowed ministry position or notoriety to define their sense of self worth. These and other areas non-essential to a believer’s standing in Christ have served to fracture the true identity of many Christians today.

Of course if our confidence rests in the knowledge that we’re the treasured sons and daughters of the One who’s shaking, we’ll remain as secure and confident as a baby resting in her mother’s arms. Well, almost. Maybe a baby with a bit of colic? Anyone whose hope is anchored in Christ alone will be convinced that God is in absolute control. We’ll be content if our needs are supplied while our wants may not be and will rejoice to see his unshakeable kingdom come in and around us as we yield to his will. Of course, we all have our “moments.”

But what should be our objective response to the confusion, fear and turmoil surrounding us? A person’s identity is attached to what he loves. John the apostle reminds us that if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father isn’t in him. But with our identity based in the Object of our love and devotion, our response to Heb. 13:1 comes naturally, along with a lot of failure, of course: “ keep on loving one another.” According to John that means laying down our life for one another, sharing our possessions as the need arises. He writes that “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” The kingdom of heaven is a kingdom of love and those who are losing what can be shaken will see that those who are rooted and grounded in love are standing on a firm foundation. It will become evident that the foundation is Christ, for as John goes on to say of those in whom love has been made complete, “..as he is , so are we in this world.” Yep, even with all our warts, cracks and idiosyncrasies.

David Fredrickson