It’s amazing how easy it is to flow with the current of today’s politics and social norms. Though everybody has an opinion, too often our egos make us have a tendency to move with the multitude. It is not easy to go against consensus and stand for something that everyone else is against. We would rather blend in rather than stand out. It is human nature.
Recent events in the news could inspire one to go right along with the crowd. You could be tempted to flow in the same direction as the river of community consensus: “We are justified by our actions, he deserves what he got.” However the reality of God’s Kingdom-rules, regulations and laws should give us the courage to swim upstream against the majority and stand on the shore of God’s Word alone. Romans 12:19-21 says, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.” (Amplified). The tendency to get swept up in the emotions of what happened to us and our nation does not give us the right to exact revenge on anyone. ANYONE. Vengeance is God’s right alone.
Now what? Do we celebrate that “evil” people are dead? Did someone give him the Good News before he died? I pray someone told these men about Jesus Christ, ‘cause I don’t want my worst enemy (even the “evil’ ones) to go to hell for eternity. (No judgment, just reality) Do we dance in the streets because our leaders are being investigated and impeached? No, I rather think God would have us to be sober and pray for our leaders and nation because we have all gone astray when it comes to morality and dignity in our country.
For those of you that don’t know, I was a flight attendant for one of the airlines which was used as a tool for mass destruction on September 11, 2001. I had 4 friends on flt 93 that departed Newark and ended up in a field in Pennsylvania. Yes. I’ve been directly affected by the actions of men and a movement hell bent on the destruction of everything I hold dear. But this is so much bigger than my pain. It’s about the Kingdom of God. It’s about moving past our thoughts and ways and thinking like Christ. Jesus wants NO ONE to perish.
We don’t get to decide who is “deserving” of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness. We are to share the Gospel and make no judgment on who gets the message and who doesn’t. I’m not saying any of this to start any philosophical or religious debates. The Word of God stands firm without my having to defend it. It is what it is. However, I can honestly say it is sad to me that “Christian” people around the world celebrate the demise of those who have done wrong. They’ve already “assigned” to hell anyway. This isn’t God’s way. In our weak and feeble judgment, who are we to cheer when someone falls? How is this “Christ-like”? I believe we will be in for a rude awakening on the Great and terrible day of judgment…
It’s a fine line to walk in the ways of the Lord, to live in love and yet not stand in judgment. II Timothy 4: 2-4 says, ” Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching. For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, and will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions.” (Amplified) To reprove and rebuke is mistaken for judgment all the time. But if you don’t know the truth and apply it how can it set you free?!
The Word is true. It shall not return void. God is going to have His say in ALL we have done as individuals and as a nation. Don’t let temporary political situations and swirling emotions sway you from the permanent reality that God is in control. The things in the news will cycle in and cycle out. “Evil” people and horrible situations will come and go. History is doomed to repeat itself, if we aren’t careful. Yet one thing is certain: Heaven and earth will pass away but God’s Word will never change. Stand on His Word and live in His Kingdom of righteousness and rule. You make look strange to some swimming upstream against the currents of social norms but you will end up on the Shore of Safety in the end.
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