Things That Divide
I recently reread Psalm 118:24: This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it, and it got me to thinking: When did we Christians begin forgetting to do this very thing?
Now, before you take me to task for making such an accusation against the family of God, consider the recent presidential election and those before that. We expect strong reactions by those that do not believe in God, but when anger, bitterness, and vitriol come out of the mouths of His people, well, that just ought not to be. We say that we know God is in control of all things and all things are working for the good of His people, yet have we allowed the cloud of discontent to overcome us for the four or eight years the administration we disagree with is in power? Have we forgotten the sovereignty of God so much that we throw insults at our country’s elected leader, as well as those who voted contrary to our convictions?
Before I make accusation against others, I confess am guilty of the hard feelings I described even though I have not gone as public about it to the degree I see happening among believers today, especially on social media. But in my own ways behind closed doors, when I thought it safe, I let my feelings be known. But in my times of discontent, I justified that what I was saying was rightly so. I realize now that I was fooling myself into thinking I did right.
I’m afraid that as I am trying to write this, I may not be clear, because at the moment I am attempting to not side one way or the other. This opens me to the criticism that I will not take a stand. But I am not saying we ought not express opinions on what we believe is right politically. That is what freedom of speech is all about. However, as I do so I need to take a step back. Do I hear love, joy peace, and the rest of the fruit of the Holy Spirit flowing from my mouth? Or instead, is there hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, and strife (read Galatians 5:20-23)? When I see divisions coming between me and fellow believers and loved ones, I need to question whether on my part I am walking in the Spirit.
Consider 1 Timothy 2:1-4: I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Paul did not resort to name calling concerning those in power in Rome, as corrupt as they were, and it was these people who would eventually condemn him to death. Instead, he instructed Timothy to pray for them no matter how corrupt they were. And his words apply us to us as well. We may feel powerless when those in power lead contrary to our convictions, but this sense of powerlessness does not have to remain within us. There is no greater power than that of prayer. And God tells us to pray for our leaders. The sense of helplessness and frustration comes when we fail to do so.
I think of the past presidents in my life time, as well as the one we have now, and am convicted as to how little I have prayed for them. Speaking out is my right as an American. But being respectful as I speak is what I do as a Spirit-filled Christian. I must realize that making my opinions known does little to effect change compared to what can be accomplished through prayer. God has not abdicated His throne, nor has he shut off his ear to his people. If I express my concerns, to my congressman or even the president, himself, that is nothing compared to the opportunity to go right to the throne of grace where sits the Creator of the universe.
But when I go to pray, I need to go to the throne of grace remembering what God has said about Himself in Psalm 46:10: Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Therefore, I come before you, God, laying these things at your feet. Not trying to force You to do what is right in my eyes, but rather to trust You to accomplish your purposes as we wait, Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13).
