America is a great place, founded on the ideals of freedom. Today we exercise a responsibility of our freedom, to vote. Politics were at best a ‘footnote’ in the New Testament, it was just never the most important thing of Jesus’ agenda. When called before kings he was ambivalent, never disrespectful but perspectful…he helped rulers gain perspective regarding their importance, that they would have no position had God not allowed it. We need to keep the same perspective, and yet we need to honor God’s teachings; the bible told the early disciples to ‘honor the king’ even when the king was a despot (1 Peter 2:17). In the OT God told us not to speak evil of the ruler of your people; Paul acknowledged his mistake in his talk w the high priest (Acts 23:5). Indeed we should be careful to speak respectfully even of those we consider enemies, people who are unkind to us (Jude 9). Voting is an important part of our freedom and our responsibility. Be responsible citizens, it’s a good thing. It is your individual choice for whom you vote, no advice herein, and don’t criticize others for their choices. Be careful your opinions and the way you express them don’t reflect badly on the God we serve; “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). We should remember this passage in every context, not just about politics, it applies even to conversations within our family where we tend to be less careful and take one another for granted. As Tom Brown reminded us on Sunday, PRAY that God will lead us as we vote and will lead our leaders regardless of who they are and whether they are the ones for whom we voted. If you engage in discussions about politics speak respectfully to others and of others. And don’t be touchy! Be gracious. Recognize that you might not always be right. And be very thankful that we live in ‘the land of the free and the home of the brave’ (F Scott Key, Star Spangled Banner). I love each of you, and I love freedom, but I love God and his commands more; honor God in all you do. – Jack
Posted on: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 12:41:45 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015