I read last week that some supporters of the President were threatening to riot, and even worse, if he were not re-elected. My mind wondered over the reasons how and why someone's righteous feelings could justify such anger and even violence.
Oddly enough, my mind turned to a couple of memories in church ministry. Never in 20 years have I heard and felt such anger as when someone thought they had a righteous reason to justify it. I remember a man yelling at me, inches from my face, so angry that he was actually spitting on me, because the lighting in the sanctuary wasn't what he thought it ought to be.
I think that man was so angry (and it's the reason for a lot of bad behavior in church) because the Sunday worship experience was very likely the totality of his spirituality and religious life. And so therefore, expectations of what happened in worship, the least little thing that didn't suit him, became epic in size and importance.
What does that have to do with political fights?
If one sees political office as the ultimate locus of power, if what happens in Washington forms the totality of one's life, then the outcome of an election may spark all kinds of anger or bad behavior.
And Christian believers on the Left and the Right make the same mistake, they err in the same way, if they see the presidency as the pinnacle of power-- that the White House is the ultimate place from where to effect change. It's not.
Please don't misunderstand: I care who wins the presidential election and I think it a honor and duty to vote and participate in the process. I'll even be disappointed if the candidates and causes I voted for are defeated. But I won't be crushed, and I won't be rioting. What happens in Washington is important, but it isn't ultimate.
I'm a citizen first of another Kingdom. That Kingdom contains the ultimate pinnacle of power. He is the unending source of all things, including governments. And His name is Jesus Christ.
Praying for His will on earth as it is in heaven,
Pastor Chris
PS: Feed My Starving Children Update: Last Sunday, several of you asked about local opportunities again this year to help with packing emergency meals. I understand that all volunteer slots were filled within 24 hours after they were posted. However, the website indicates that there are always cancellations that will result in slots needing to be filled. If you're interested in learning more, then check the site occasionally between now and November 15-17 (the actual packing dates) to see if any slots have opened: Please click here.
When people praise my acts of service, which are inspired by heaven, don't they confirm that God caused the deeds I have done? Certainly they do. For God does whatever is best, and humans perform the commands of God. Surely everyone knows that the holy service these hands have done came from a pure, genuine faith towards God. Whatever has been done for the common good was carried out through active effort combined with supplication and prayer. As a result, individuals and the public have benefited greatly.... For righteous prayer is invincible. Everyone who makes a holy request will receive what they asked God for. A refusal is impossible, except when faith wavers. For God is always favorable and ready to approve of human righteousness. While it is natural for us to err occasionally, God doesn't cause human error. Therefore, righteous people should thank God for their own individual security and the happy state of public affairs. At the same time, however, they should respond to Christ's favor with holy prayers and constantly ask that He would continue to bless us.
