The definition of cognitive dissonance is one way to look at what’s going on in the world today. It emanates thoughts of confusion, discord and disorganized thinking. When we’re affected by this malady, our brain seems to go on overload. We’re surrounded by conflicting news reports. We see photos and videos of scenes which arouse anger and frustration. We try to make sense of it with our limited intelligence. We try to escape it by turning off the news. None of those solutions can be achieved because we’re trapped in a world of instant communication. Social media becomes a sounding board for opinions. Anger rises. People are blamed. Politicians are scoffed. Law enforcement is scorned. What was intended to make people aware through peaceful protests, becomes infected with activists who make a point of turning them violent.

We can’t ignore what’s going on in the world. We can’t hide in the safety of our homes. We cannot give into things that affect life and death situations. What we can do is maintain common sense. Rage, hate and anger don’t solve problems. They simply fuel the fires of discontent. When our morality is challenged – when hatred gets in the way of talking and listening to each other – when we become divided as family and friends – when the dissonance of unrest becomes a cacophony of white noise that drifts throughout the crowds – we actually become part of the problem.

History has proven the effects of mob mentality. We need to voice our opinions, yet we also should be aware of people’s feelings. When name-calling becomes the fare of the day, it has turned into childish behavior. Division leads to cracks in relationships. It becomes a battle between who’s right and who’s wrong – and of course everyone thinks they’re right. Wars can result from such division.

Some might believe that God has abandoned us. It would certainly seem that way. We’ve all been overtaken with grief at one time or another. We witness injustice on a daily basis. We’re slowly being eaten up by the devil and all his minions if we give up. Instead of blaming God for the tragedies of life, let’s remember who created it perfectly. Let’s realize that He can change things in an instant. He will carry our burdens. He will give us relief from all the cognitive dissonance of the world. He has promised an eternal life for all those who believe, follow and serve Him. Instead of running from Him, we should be racing towards Him for help. He alone is our refuge and strength.

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord, Jesus, Christ, that all of you agree and there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV