POLITICAL DEBATES

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

POLITICAL DEBATES

(2 Tim 2:24) And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.

It’s crazy how things can get before an election.  The political rhetoric and mudslinging can get out of control.  This is the juncture where a lot of people get so upset over politics and the state of affairs in the government with the issues that are in the forefront.  It can get crass as people go for the jugular.  It’s because things have hit a nerve.  And when a nerve is touched there is an instant “ouch!”  You lash out at the cause of the pain.  People can only take so much and then there will be an outcry.

There are a few things to keep in mind when things amp up politically and we feel that sense of justice against inequity.  First, we must realize that the Lord is in control.  God appoints leaders as He seems fit.  (Rom 13:1) Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. You may have heard it said that God puts leaders in control that we deserve!  (Pro 29:2) When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. 

Take a look at Bible history.  We find that God used ungodly nations to bless as well as harass Israel.  It all depended if they were in line with God’s commandments or not. (1 Kings 11:14; 2 Chr 36:22-23).  Then as we get into the New Testament we find that God used Cesar over a tax issue to get the child Jesus from Nazareth to Bethlehem to fulfill prophecy! (Micah 5:2; Luke 2:1-7)  The plan of God will get worked out no matter who is in office!  (Pro 21:1) The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Remember who is King of kings and Lord of lords!! (Rev 19:16) 

These are the last days.  God’s people need to realize that in these dark times God will take care of us and our loved ones.  His covering hand will be with us and then Jesus will come to take us home!  Until then we are protected and provided for through His loving oversight of our lives.  Yes, we should be concerned and do what we can in the political process, but remember that this world is not our home.  We’re just passing through!  (Phil 3:20)  For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  The world’s not going to be right until Jesus reigns!  (Hab 2:14) For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Based upon this we can be at peace and not get caught up in argumentation based out of frustration.  No one is in control except Jesus!  He’s got the whole world in His hands!!  Now we can dialog with others with peace in our hearts and we can disagree without losing our temper and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).  It’s a fallen world but not for long!  Maranatha!!

Louie