The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much good. ~Ecclesiastes 9:17-18
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will be spread like gangrene. Among them are some who you know who say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” ~2 Timothy 2:16-19, (adapted)
Flee from the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel. Instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. ~2 Timothy 2:22-26
I can’t help but think that when we get to heaven we will look back on our lives here on earth and wonder why we put so much energy into the arguments and divisiveness of man. I wonder, if there is one regret that we will have, it will be that we didn’t use that energy more productively for Him. So much of what preoccupies us now won’t matter then.
This isn’t the first time that there has been so much in the way of differing opinions. However, I wonder how many of us can list any of the big controversies from even one hundred years ago. People were moved and passionate about issues then. But soon, life moved on and something else came along to get moved and passionate about again and, so it goes.
There are fundamental issues of life and death, especially as it pertains to the Gospel and how we respond to it. And there are the issues of man: politics, fashions, fads. The issues of man will come and go. Life may change, one way or another. But God is always in control, beyond what man can actually do. We are wise to put our energy into remembering that and live accordingly.
Will the ones I vote for on Tuesday win…lose? No matter which, I am still a child of God. He still loves everyone, and He is still working all things for His eternal plan. Will I like the changes that will come? Maybe, maybe not, but I am still called to act in a way that brings about His Will on earth, as it is in heaven. Will I believe everything that I’m told? Probably not, but I’m still responsible to seek Truth, from the creator of Truth, and stay in His light rather than stumble along and find my own way.
No matter what, I am still responsible to care for others, obey my Heavenly Father, seek peace and learn His wisdom. External circumstances should never change those fundamental goals.
“Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much good.” We need to remember always that, if we claim to be a Christian, a follower of Christ, or one who bears His name, if that is what we claim to the world, then we bear the responsibility to bear His name well, with honor. We are responsible for His reputation to our fellow man. One harmful, impulsive or selfish act, especially now, in this situation, can undo a lot of the good that the church is attempting to do in His name.
“Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” Flee from the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel. Instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
We will all get through this one way or another. Some will be pleased with the results and others will be disappointed. We need to remember that we are all part of the body of Christ. We need to love the body for the Head’s sake. We also need to rise above our differences to show the world what is possible because of Christ. That will give the world hope that, if they are in Christ, they can rise above their circumstances, and differences too.
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are One: I in Them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me. Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me, because You loved Me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know You, and they know that You have seen Me. I have made You known to them, and will continue to make You known in order that the love You have for Me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” (John 17:20-26)
Let’s be the answer to our Lord’s prayer now more than ever.
Prayer: Father, I know that Kamala Harris is loved by You. Donald Trump was fearfully and wonderfully made. Mike Pence is Cherished. Joe Biden is important enough that You died for him. And You love me like that too! May I bear your name with honor and love others the way you do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Song: Where Charity and Love Prevail
Comments
Post a Comment