Over the last week, we have witnessed some of the most disturbing events in our lifetimes. Many of us watched in horror the attack on the capitol here in the United States. 

In the midst of chaos, opinions have flourished. I know several good people who have completely opposing opinions on the state of our government. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? How are we as the body of Christ to process all that’s going on around us?

As I’ve been reflecting on these questions, my mind has gone to the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 27:13-14, “I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” How do we who claim to follow Jesus remain confident and calm in the midst of a world spinning out of control? 

Here are a few thoughts:

Recognize that within the body of Christ, there are different political views. The body of Christ is not a political party. In fact, if you trace back through church history, you will realize that whenever the church has tried to become a political movement it has been detrimental to the body of Christ. I have noticed a disturbing trend. Politics has divided the church. Friends, we have one Savior, Jesus Christ. Political leaders will come and go. Our calling as believers is to love people and point them to the love of Christ.  

Rather than raising your fist, get on your knees. As I’ve scanned the news reports and seen photos. I am struck by the fact that so many on both sides of the political aisle are raising their fists. Friend, you may have strong opinions politically, but don’t raise your fist – get on your knees and raise your voice to God. Intercede in the power of the Holy Spirit. You may not know what to pray. I get it. I’ve been confused myself. The good news is, the Holy Spirit knows what to pray: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (Romans 8:16). Rather than assuming your opinion is right, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you. Ask Him to pray through you and to bring your heart into perfect union with His. 

Repent and turn from arrogance. We have seen, at least here in America, what happens when arrogance rules. As Christ-followers, we need to have hearts of humility. The Apostle Paul reminds us that “in humility” we are to “value others above yourselves”. He goes on to write that we are to “have the mindset of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God” … “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:3-7).Godly leadership is servant leadership. 

Arrogance is such a temptation for us as humans. We need to ask God to remove any hint of arrogance from our lives and to clothe us with a heart of humility.

May I challenge you, in light of the events of the past week, to ask God to fill you with love for those who hold a different view than you, get on your knees and beg God for revival, and repent of any trace of arrogance that may have crept into your soul. I believe that there will be an outpouring of revival as the church takes their rightful place on their knees with hearts of humility. And hey, if you live overseas, please pray for us here in the United States – that God will bring a much-needed revival.

News!

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