I would have to guess that if you have a pulse, you have an opinion about America’s current political climate, and what you think the future holds. Many people have recently discovered that what they believed would be a well deserved and adequately stocked rest and retirement had disappeared before their eyes, like the early morning fog before a hot spring day. Others feel that the current path our leadership is taking is one that is not well thought out and could place us in harms way from our enemies. I have seen what has recently come forward in the grass roots efforts of many called “The Tea Party Revolts”, and the apparent emergence of a possible third party, “The Independent Party”.
I recently did a mid-week Bible study and our text was this segment in 1 Peter:2:13-20 (NASB)
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. 18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
There was a lot of insightful and emotional discussion as you can imagine, then I added this passage to the mix.
2 Timothy 2:1-7 (NASB)
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
I believe that what is happening in our life time is the very will of God.
If He is Sovereign, and He is; If His Word is True, and it is; then all this “undesirable stuff” and more has to take place before He takes us home.
The world has never been more confused, divided, and deceived. The Church has never appeared more powerless to heal the troubles of sin sick sinners. The Church has become so many things it was never intended to be, and as a result has become diluted and anemic. It seems that more focus is placed on public image in order to attract more people, then a clear focus on the ministry of God’s Word, and personal and corporate Holiness. The World needs to see the Power of God through the local Church, not a Church that desires to become all things to all people.
We are called to preach the Word, and rescue those who are perishing, not fight the battles over better social security retirement, Green energy revolt, States rights, Homosexual marriage, or …. You get the point, right? We are not called to fight the fight, we are called to fight the GOOD FIGHT!
I only pray that we can stay, UNTANGLED!
Be Prayerful;
Be Blessed!
Because of Grace, Greg