GOD’S PEOPLE TOGETHER
Richard Harris
Today's Scripture: “...that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:6, ESV
Theme: Glorify God together by having a heart for unity among all people – not winning at all costs.
BE OF ONE MIND
As God’s people, should we not use His biblical words as the appropriate lens to give us a spiritual viewpoint on our lives? The Bible urges us to “have unity of mind” (1 Peter 3:8), and reminds us that the “first shall be last” (Matthew 20:16); shouldn’t we make life decisions based upon those words? “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind" (1 Peter 3:8, ESV).
How do Peter’s words mesh with our faith and political thoughts on this day? Will we be of one mind politically? Never! The way politics influence our minds is factored from our personal life experiences and choices. Everyone who casts a vote should be doing so in good faith, trying their best to make a wise decision. As Christians, we should vote based upon our biblical values. Political issues, lying in front of us, can be informed based on our understanding of the Bible. Did we not choose to cast a ballot for faith in God’s power and Jesus’ salvation when we were saved?
PEOPLE COULDN’T AGREE ABOUT JESUS
For the common good of mankind, Jesus spoke out in support of justice for the poor and the oppressed. He was an outspoken critic of the status quo, constantly reminding us to focus our hearts first and foremost on God. People, of all hierarchical orders, agreed and disagreed with His teachings. Some feared His words; others changed their lives because of them. Jesus remained loyal to His promises both to those who accepted Him and even those who nailed Him to the cross.
ALLOWED TO LOSE
Even though Jesus knew that He was sharing the Truth, He did not find it crucial to change the government, leadership, people’s minds, or laws. He certainly didn’t change any of those things at all costs. There was a limit to how much He shared and with whom. He would not force people to change, follow Him, or practice the things He taught. Jesus brought glory to God, His Father, by sacrificing everything. In the greatest court case lost of all time, Jesus refused to speak on His own innocent behalf. He chose to lose when He could have won. It was the Father’s will. He was willing to lose so profoundly that He was tortured and died when he had every right to be set free. He allowed people to misunderstand, injure, maim, and kill Him to make unity between humanity and God possible.
GREAT LEADERS
There are many other great leaders we can look to in the Bible. Daniel (an advisor to the king) retained his integrity, and identity, within the political structure of his time. He worshipped his God first and served the king. He may have been a stranger in his world and government, but he worked meaningfully and positively to serve others while He was there. He worked within the system, in ways that honored God, to navigate through tough times.
Deborah (a judge) followed God’s direction, prompting the commander Barak to go into battle. She bravely joined him when He refused to go alone. She did not argue with his request for her to leave her post to assist him; she simply made up for the deficit by going with him (Judges 4).
David was informed at a young age that he would rise to power. Even though he was personally attacked by his predecessor, King Saul (1 Samuel 18:11, 1 Samuel 19:11, 1 Samuel 19:15), David did not take matters into his own hands. David trusted God to bring about a change of leadership without killing the king. He took himself out of power, holding back his band of men, controlling his own ability to kill the king, and allowed God to be in full control (1 Samuel 24:4).
All faced difficult situations, political times, and opportunities for power, yet retained self-control and allowed God to work powerfully instead.
Make it Personal: Our faith should not be in perceived political heroes, but in the One who will save us; Jesus. He is our Light in this dark world of political promises. How can you best have a heart for unity among all people during this season? What does it look like to lay down the notion of winning at all costs? In the words of Frederick Douglass: “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.” Our government is not the answer for America’s soul… Jesus is.
Pray: Almighty Father, please guide us in understanding this world, in which we live today, through Your spiritual lens. Help us be ambassadors of Your words as we cast our ballots towards the leadership, and future, of our country. We understand that government is not the solution to the soul of this country, but Jesus is. We pray that Your guiding hand leads us. Whichever direction the election goes, help me to love my neighbor and my fellow believer. In God we trust. Fill us with the peace that will carry us, together with one voice, glorifying You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Read: Luke 18:19; Psalm 33:12
Weekly Memory Verse: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35, ESV