This is one of those posts that burned in me. Like a fire that had to come out…or else some rocks in my front yard might have shouted. (Which would have been interesting.)
I think it started in me last week after my “Would Jesus vote” post. Maybe because I listened more closely to the political discussion, even among my fellow Christians. And it burdened me.
As the church we need one another. I need you and you need me. We need to hold each other accountable to true things.
As believers, we’re convinced that God’s standard is the best standard. We believe that His ways — morally and spiritually — give us the supreme framework for societal living because He created…everything. And being that we live in a democracy, we get to express that standard through a vote.
But democracy is simply a shell. Political “victory” is only external. It doesn’t change hearts. It doesn’t produce love. It cannot be our place of hope.
It cannot be our place of hope.
It seems that some of us, even as Christ followers, hurl rude words at the world and take sin personally, thrilling at the thought of God’s judgment. But here’s the thing. Those who don’t know Jesus are just doing what they know to do. Apart from Him we live bound to self and sin. In fact those who don’t know Jesus are doing what they are supposed to do. Rebelling from their Maker.
But God is their Judge. Not me. (1 Corinthians 5:13)
My job as His child is to love. It’s how this world will know I am His disciple. I love my brothers and sisters. We hold each other accountable. We forgive continually. We give lavishly. We proclaim our Lord. And we pray fervently.
We pray for wisdom. We pray for His will. We pray for the souls around us, because if they haven’t truly accepted the sacrifice of Jesus then they will swallow God’s wrath for themselves. A sobering reality.
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11
Laws cannot transform this world. They only reveal our sin. A team of doctors cannot heal the rampant soul diseases. It’s love. When the love of God pierces to the division of soul and spirit, moms and dads and lawyers and store owners and, yes, even politicians change. And when people become vessels of God’s love, the world flips upside down with revival.
It’s what will truly change our world.
Fill me, Lord…
What do you think love looks like in our broken world?
Lara, thank you for the “loving” reminder to love others like Jesus loves us. For me, the biggest challenge is to slow down and love others by actually giving them time. To set aside my own timetable and daily agenda and respond to the needs of others.
Ahhh yes. Slowing down. Being sensitive to His lead. So key.
This…is golden.
xoxox
Excellent words! I was so sad this past week to see Christians acting like total bullies on Facebook this week, not remembering who they represent eternally (rather than politically). And then I heard myself thinking, “Do I do that? Do I forget to act like I have experienced grace?” And I know the answer is that I have. Out of the overflow of the heart, my fingertips rush to judgement and criticism. I’ve got to keep my heart full of HIM–not the world.
“Do I forget to act like I have experienced grace?” Great question. Because until we stand speechless at His mercy, we will never give mercy. Blessings, friend!
Oh my…so filled with truth…and love. 🙂 Beautiful post. Thank you!
Thank you so much for pursuing this post. I needed to hear it today. I’ve got one brewing in me that will be easy to write but very hard to make public in this age, and I do not want to give in to the fear of rejection. I know my Christ family will be supportive but the world at large will be harsh. And while very few may ever read it, the risk is still present. I appreciate these words of yours today. I must hold myself accountable and stand up for God’s Truth in this climate of tolerance, but the heart is anxious nonetheless. Thank you for being a Light.
Praying for you as you write. Our words can be so powerful. Which is why they need to be covered in love and grace. Blessings.
Thank you for this post. This “vote” here in NC has been a huge place of worry and despair for me. I haven’t felt this way over anything like this before. Part was because I knew Christians whose views were different from Gods word. Part I was in fear that it wouldn’t pass. As big as that was, I worried that we were battling less against the evil of Satan and more on the lost that don’t know or understand Him or His commands. Don’t know His love. How could they? Yet in our moment of trying to be sure this amendment was passed I saw words on my screen from those that love the Lord but were unable to say and do what they believed with out hurling words spoken more from fear and judgment than love. Its easy to do when we get wrapped up in things that mean so much. Besides… When Christ came he didn’t enter politics and take over the government. God never intended to do that. He comes in and loves us to Him…. “And when people become vessels of God’s love, the world flips upside down with revival.” Thanks again!
So often we get hung up in “standing for truth” that we actually trample souls in the process. Blessings to you, friend.
Beautiful words, my friend!
This post blessed me today. Thank you!
To me, love looks like putting aside our personal needs, wants and battles in order to introduce others to the only One who can provide true freedom and leadership to our hearts,