A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (September 26, 2018)
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
I spent many years in federal law enforcement before becoming a minister. I have arrested people, put people in jail, prepared arrest warrants, testified in federal court, etc. Our investigators worked very closely with the US Attorney’s office to gather and present evidence of a crime to the court and/or a grand jury. We did not just arrest somebody because we thought they were guilty. We did not publish information on a person that we thought was guilty because that could ruin a person’s life forever and even create a mob mentality that could result in violence. We had to spend months or even years gathering the proper evidence to prove our case beyond a shadow of a doubt. That is what our legal system and our democracy is built on. You are innocent until you are proven guilty. Are we losing that presumption of innocence???
Our ministry talks to and prays with thousands of people each year. In the last few years we have seen a change in this nation’s people that is not healthy. They have become very quick to judge and condemn people. They have become angry and hateful and are quick to justify their actions because of their political positions. Even Christians, who know the Bible, have left what they know is right to accommodate what they believe is a more just cause. For example, lying is justified if the end result is helping stop what they perceive as a more noble political cause.
Here is what we Christians need to think about. The Word of God is either true or it’s not. The Word of God is either our textbook for life or it’s not. We are either going to follow the Word of God or we’re not. For example, are we going tell to the truth at all times or are we going to accept lying as justified for certain occasions. Just remember, Satan is the “Father of Lies” and when you go there you are operating in his territory and the end result of following him is death and destruction. Personally, I choose the truth, which Jesus is. He is the Word of God. The end result of following the truth is abundant life. (John 10:10)
Now, you may have some deep differences between you and the people that are presently elected to political office. There is nothing new about that. Jesus and the Roman Emperor Caesar were not exactly on the same page but what did Jesus say about that.
And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s. And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s. (Luke 20:21-25)
Jesus was never a political activist. He was all about doing what He knew the Father wanted Him to do. He understood the role of the government and He never resorted to trying to dethrone a government leader. His disciples preached the same type message:
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (Romans 13:1)
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. (1 Peter 2:13-17)
We all need to pray for our country and all of our government leaders. We do not need to succumb to a demonic attack that would divide and alienate. We do not need to resort to the tactics of the enemy that judges people prematurely through a mob mentality. We need to follow God’s Word and refrain from bitterness and unforgiveness which will result in nothing good. We need to protect the customs and laws of this country and treat everyone with dignity and respect. The soul of our country is at stake!!!
