In the aftermath of the pandemic in 2020-2021, we heard a lot of language about “building back better”. This was an idea that had apparently surfaced a bit in World Economic Forum circles in years before, but really gained traction among Western leaders like Justin Trudeau and Joe Biden. The idea was that the pandemic had shaken the economic and social foundations of our world and that we could come up with a grand plan to rebuild those foundations, only much stronger than before.

It sounds wonderful. It’s also what the Edomites thought in the aftermath of the epic events of the 6th century BC. In Malachi 1:4, we hear them saying, “Though we have been crushed, we will rebuild the ruins.” Go Edom! Determination! Winning!

It reminds me of one of my favourite quotes, from a book that our board is going through right now: “God has inserted a Babel-like kill switch inside of human endeavours without Him.” (Mark Sayers, Reappearing Church). Is this not what we see in the history of nations? Almost inevitably, this history is characterized by pride and self-sufficiency. It’s characterized by human leaders believing they are wise enough and strong enough to deal with the problems of their lands. It never works. Every nation rises and falls. How’s the “Build Back Better” plan working for North America? It seems like we are more divided than ever, that the gap between rich and poor grows wider, and that cost of living continually spins out of control. If this is building back better, I’m happy to get off the bus right now. And as long as our leaders lack real humility and repentance, we will only see things worsen.

While that explains what we see happening in the world, we also have little power to change the hearts of our leaders and governmental policy-makers (though prayer is always welcome!). We need to ensure our own hearts are right, and that our own church community is not falling into the same mistakes. Are we seeking to “build back better” from various crises, relying on our own power and wisdom? God won’t be in that. Those plans will not be blessed, ultimately. Let us be a people who are repentant, who rely on God’s power, who acknowledge our own shortcomings and seek His wisdom. Let us follow Jesus and seek the Kingdom of God, which is the truly strong foundation. As Hebrews says,