It seems that I am getting close to having enough of the arguments hashed out about this presidential ballot problem to take it to the Lord in prayer. Two final items are left to cover. I’ll cover one today, and the other tomorrow.
For today, it is important to determine exactly who are enemy is here. Is it the Democrats or the Left? Is it the radical socialists who have suddenly taken center stage? Is it the biased media? Or is it something else?
Certainly, sin blinds us all, even the born again. However, the saved have had our eyes opened to the truth. See 2 Corinthians 4:1-6. We may not heed it all the time, but we are receptive to it. Unbelievers refuse and eventually cannot see the truth in salvation. They may understand it logically; but as a matter of faith, they don’t.
Understandably, unbelievers take this as an insult, but it doesn’t change the fact that they reject the gospel – even in the plainest of language. They are enemies of God (Romans 8:7-8). Does that mean we should avoid them? No, we are ambassadors for Christ entrusted to the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:16-21). Our job is to carry the gospel to a lost and dying world.
Interestingly enough, we ARE to avoid some non-believers and even believers, too. In 1 Corinthians 5:9-12, Paul writes that we are not to associate with believers who refuse to abandon sinful behavior. Tough language there. Our church would be wise to understand and apply this lesson.
False teachers are the other category that we are to avoid. See 2 John for a short, plain-language lesson on this. Certainly, this isn’t the only place the bible hits hard on this topic.
For the rest, however, we are to share the full gospel and pray for their salvation in hopes that some will be saved (Romans 10:1).
There IS an enemy behind all this strife in the word besides our own sin. Let’s not forget this as we ponder all these things.
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Those of us who believe are not left helpless against these things. We may protect ourselves with the full armor of God. For what purpose?
Ephesians 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Now we can debate about what standing firm means, but I see plenty of examples in the bible that shows that standing firm is to let God fight his battles. Take King Jehoshaphat for example (2 Chronicles 20). Look, all to often we feel we have to do something if we don’t see immediate results to prayer. That’s unbelief. Sure, sometimes action is required, but sometimes we are to sit back and watch God do his thing – resting in his peace and joy knowing that our salvation is secure.
Let’s face it. God intentionally lets sin run its course. That’s what Romans 1:18-32 explains so well. If that is his will, who are we to argue?
As far as the armor of God goes, we would be wise to suit up, daily, for spiritual warfare, remembering who the real enemy is (John 10:10) and that when we resist him, he will flee (James 4:7). Remember also to be very careful how we let our minds think so that we might enjoy supernatural power to destroy strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Romans 12:2). Finally, we must not forget to pray that God will not lead us into temptation but deliver us from evil (Matthew 6:13).
All this applies to each believer as well as the church as a whole. I really don’t see how it applies to non-believers. Even the often verse, “if my people who are called by my name….” (2 Chronicles 7:14) would seem to be better directed to the true church rather that our country. After all, we’re a post-Christian nation.
Here’s the way I look at it. The problems of the United States are way bigger than you and I can fix. It’s God’s battle. Shall I get all twisted up in arguing with people or pledge my allegiance to a political party or candidate so that they might save our nation? Shall I give up my joy in my salvation fretting about poll numbers or how this scandal or that may influence the election? Shall I sacrifice my God-given peace at the altar of me, thinking that I must worry in order to prove I care?
All that is nonsense. If I am going to align myself with a cause, it shall be the gospel. It’s sufficient. That means it’s enough for me. It’s adequate. I need no more than that. I have no need to look for any other savior than Jesus, certainly not politicians.
Spend some time examining just what has been done for you in God’s mercy (Romans 9:15) on your soul. God the Father drew you to Jesus (John 6:44, 65). Jesus has revealed the Father so that you might know him (Matthew 11:27). The Holy Spirit bears witness about the Son (John 15:26).
John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
Do you really want to get all worked up over politics? I don’t. There are more important things, like warning people of the wrath to come and sharing the good news with those who are afraid.
Father, I find peace when you prioritize my thinking. Thank you. Amen.
Copyright © 2020 Scott Powers
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