For this writing we define the word revolution in two ways that could be considered extreme:
1. a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving
2. the overthrow of a government by those who are governed
On the one hand we could say that any individual can have a revolution, while even today we see it sweeping across nations. Thus my title: Revolution Anyone?
Regardless of whether it is one person or a nation, eventually the revolution itself will end and this question will be faced: What do we do now? What happens next determines the result of any type of revolution.
The results of any revolution will be no better than the type of person or people who will be in charge after the revolution is over. Case in point: The thirteen colonies had a revolution beginning in 1776. The Bolsheviks had a revolution beginning in 1917. Off the top of your head, were the results of those revolutions pretty much the same or radically different?
Though you may know more specifics about the American revolution and the results of it, a review of names of some men who came to the forefront after these revolution will help make my point. After 1776 we see men such as Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison & Monroe. After 1917 we see men such as Lenin, Trotsky, Molotov, Stalin & Beria.
While the names given above quickly help make my point, some would argue that very different circumstances between the two revolutions would account for the different results. That discussion could take awhile and would open hours of debate that I believe would be very informative - but it is not for this blog.
Suffice it to say that circumstances do not make policy or carry out any actions. Circumstances can have an effect; but people, not circumstances, do the ruling, the governing, the dictating, and the serving.
Having a governmental revolution is one thing - building a nation is another. Having a personal revolution is one thing - walking out a life that is worthy of the Lord (see Colossians 1:10) is indeed another. Revolutions can come relatively quickly - dealing with its results is often quite a long, drawn-out process.
I have little hope for any government whose leaders do not understand Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. Perhaps it would help if more Christians would set an example. For those who understand this principle, we can at least get started and endeavor to make a difference.
So we are back to the same place. What type of people will be calling the shots (literally or figuratively) after the revolutionary dust has settled? What will their character and principles be like, what God will they honor?
In light of the upheavals we see across the world and even these United States, these become very important questions.
