Friday, November 01, 2019
For the Christians Who Worry About America...
I sure hear a lot of Christians -- from all political persuasions -- that are worried/stressed/concerned/panicked about the future of the United States. Not just supporting one candidate or party, but more often against a candidate or party. It is among Christians that I hear fear, anger, doubt, and even hatred.
So hear are a couple of reminders for Christians.
Our kingdom is not of this world. The kingdom of God does not consist of borders and politics. It does not belong to any one race or nationality.
Our kingdom was here a long time before the United States and it will be here a long time after the United States is no more. Forever to be exact.
God is in control. Kingdoms rise and fall at his command. He may desire for this country to be exactly as the party you support would have it to be. Perhaps America will reflect the principles and desires of God. Tho to be honest, it never has. Racial and social injustice, abortion, approval and support of sinful conduct, rampant greed. Or maybe God will allow the party you despise to be in office so that his people will be sharpened and refined by fire. Maybe the more evil this country becomes, the more opportunity for the church to grow and flourish.
Our kingdom cannot be destroyed. Rome fell. The sun does set on the United Kingdom. And the United States will not last forever.
Christians are not to live our lives in fear.
Many of our spiritual forefathers were persecuted -- even gave their lives -- for the Kingdom.
So if you really want to do something, get after it.
If you are bothered by how refugees are treated, find the refugees in your community. Help them. Invite them into your home. Bring them to church. Tell the story of Jesus. Extend the invitation to be part of our Kingdom.
If abortion concerns you, adopt a child. Write a check to an organization that offers life and support. "Adopt" a single Mom and her kids. Extend grace and mercy to the unwed mother. Walk alongside them. Do not just oppose evil but engage in the right.
Our kingdom does not favor any one race or nationality. Money does not buy access to our King. So as representatives and ambassadors of the kingdom of God be sure that you reflect those values. Let your home be an outpost of righteousness. Treat everyone as you want to be treated.
So your party may -- or may not -- have power in this country. But Jesus does.
So vote if you wish, give to the party of your choice, lobby your friends to vote your way. But remember you are expending resources of time, money, and energy on a kingdom that will not last.
As for me, I am going to invest all I am and have in the kingdom that will last forever. I will live boldly and courageously. And if it comes to pass that persecution comes to me, I will count myself blessed to suffer for the name of the one who died for me. And now lives forever. I will be radically subversive in opposition to the culture and kingdoms of this world. For the greater good of growing the only kingdom that will last.
Let the revolution continue.
So hear are a couple of reminders for Christians.
Our kingdom is not of this world. The kingdom of God does not consist of borders and politics. It does not belong to any one race or nationality.
Our kingdom was here a long time before the United States and it will be here a long time after the United States is no more. Forever to be exact.
God is in control. Kingdoms rise and fall at his command. He may desire for this country to be exactly as the party you support would have it to be. Perhaps America will reflect the principles and desires of God. Tho to be honest, it never has. Racial and social injustice, abortion, approval and support of sinful conduct, rampant greed. Or maybe God will allow the party you despise to be in office so that his people will be sharpened and refined by fire. Maybe the more evil this country becomes, the more opportunity for the church to grow and flourish.
Our kingdom cannot be destroyed. Rome fell. The sun does set on the United Kingdom. And the United States will not last forever.
Christians are not to live our lives in fear.
Many of our spiritual forefathers were persecuted -- even gave their lives -- for the Kingdom.
So if you really want to do something, get after it.
If you are bothered by how refugees are treated, find the refugees in your community. Help them. Invite them into your home. Bring them to church. Tell the story of Jesus. Extend the invitation to be part of our Kingdom.
If abortion concerns you, adopt a child. Write a check to an organization that offers life and support. "Adopt" a single Mom and her kids. Extend grace and mercy to the unwed mother. Walk alongside them. Do not just oppose evil but engage in the right.
Our kingdom does not favor any one race or nationality. Money does not buy access to our King. So as representatives and ambassadors of the kingdom of God be sure that you reflect those values. Let your home be an outpost of righteousness. Treat everyone as you want to be treated.
So your party may -- or may not -- have power in this country. But Jesus does.
So vote if you wish, give to the party of your choice, lobby your friends to vote your way. But remember you are expending resources of time, money, and energy on a kingdom that will not last.
As for me, I am going to invest all I am and have in the kingdom that will last forever. I will live boldly and courageously. And if it comes to pass that persecution comes to me, I will count myself blessed to suffer for the name of the one who died for me. And now lives forever. I will be radically subversive in opposition to the culture and kingdoms of this world. For the greater good of growing the only kingdom that will last.
Let the revolution continue.
