The Tuesday Mid-Term Polls have closed. The ballots have been counted. The decisions have been made. And then came Wednesday. Some of you are relieved today, while others are petrified. But for the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word, the circumstances are just details of life. My Dad would refer to two words made famous by his Bible teacher, R. B. Thieme, Jr.: Faith/Rest. I’m mindful of them this morning.
As Christians, some of us love to use the Bible to support our moral positions and our obligations to society. Sometimes we focus more on love than on the truth. Sometimes we elevate grace and overlook justice. And let us not forget that we can’t expect the worldview to agree with the biblical view. They are fundamentally opposed. So, there’s that.
How then shall we live in the midst of what appears to be the unstoppable and increasing chaos in life? Well, Christian? How about a Word from the Word?
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9.
We choose what we think about. We decide. And, quite frankly, I don’t think it has ever been more important than now, as Christians, to obey the exhortation given to us here. Why? Because we are not in charge. God is. “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient time things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.” Isaiah 46:8-10
So, with that, what do we do with this Wednesday or every other day that follows? We do our job. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. We spend our influence capital being salt and light in a world that is confused and falling apart. How refreshing to see a people set apart for His own possession carry on with joyful countenance, cheerful spirits, kind words, and the good news of the gospel.
As Dad would say, “Keep the main thing the main thing.”
Carry on, Ambassador. 😊
