Wise Words for these UNwise Times
IF my people,
who are called by My name,
will humble themselves
and pray
and seek my face
and turn from their wicked ways,
THEN I will hear from heaven,
and I will forgive their sin
and will heal their land.
I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that today there are many squawkers, complaining about our land, how far it’s come from our founding fathers, etc.
But does God call us to complain or to humbly pray for our leaders, the media, educators, etc., and seek God’s face in the middle of the turmoil?
We do need godly people – in political office, casting votes, on the school boards, writing letters to editors, speaking up for the unborn and the downtrodden, being salt and light. ABSOLUTELY!
But we don’t need good people to do things in a bad way – to militantly declare their positions without humility or prayer or seeking God’s face or turning from their own wicked ways.
It seems that people are more interested in OTHERS turning from their wicked ways then themselves doing any turning.
As the body of Christ living in decidedly ungodly times, we are in a position to be Jesus to the world. We must take our behavioral cues from the One who set the standard to follow.
As a 24 year old Jewish girl, I became a believer in Jesus Christ because of His words in the Sermon on the Mount. When I questioned God about His command to love our enemies, He answered with His own words – “if you only love those who love you, even the (sinners) do that.” The difference between His followers and everyone else He created (yes, He created your enemies!) is that His followers speak the truth IN LOVE, they seek to LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY, they desire to LOVE and SERVE THE LEAST OF THESE.
Can we view these turbulent times as opportunities to personally develop in Christ-likeness? And to outwardly show the world the love of Christ – He who came to save THEM?
After Jesus told His disciples to love their enemies, He told them to “be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” But how can we be perfect? James, the brother of Jesus, tells us it is through our trials and challenges that we develop perseverance which, in turn, does its work making us mature, complete, perfect (James 1:2). In other words, trials and challenges are opportunities, and as JB Phillips says in his translation, “Welcome your trials as friends.”
Before we stridently say, “I believe her” or “I believe him,” can we say “I believe Him!” and act accordingly?
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matt. 5:43-48
I know it is not easy to love our enemies, but we are called to do so. May God give me the strength to shine His light.
I just turned off the news on TV – you are so right. It’s a sobering reminder of our responsibility in this day of division, acrimony, and partisanship. We are salt and light – and we need to act like it!
I have been listening to early American history and early American biographies this summer while I work. The acrimony and division is not new, but God has a plan. He also used imperfect people and systems. I am convinced He often works beneath the surface to accomplish His will. I am at peace that He will prevail over the scope of time.