Truth For The Times

Truth For The Times

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Headlines, Twitter feeds, Facebook posts, talk show topics and breaking news stories are routinely shocking these days.  Regardless of where you get your news, the need for clarity and trustworthy counsel on matters that range from faith to politics, education or family, is significant.  Maybe that’s what led Thomas Jefferson to say, “I do not take a single newspaper, nor read one a month, and I feel myself infinitely the happier for it.”

Alarming items in the news of late have included the same-sex marriage ruling of SCOTUS, the strange (and oft’ lauded) transformation of Bruce Jenner, race riots, shootings of and by the police, inflate gate, the impending Presidential election and the recent terrorist attacks in France.  Besides all this, one wrestles with the economy, their careers, marriage, childrearing, health and an endless list of problems and irritations.  Some are even profoundly alarmed by the holiday cup designs at Starbucks.

How can and should a Bible-believing Christian navigate these treacherous waters?  A few suggestions...

First, pray often for leadership, regardless of their political persuasion, that we might live well and preach the gospel.

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”  (1 Tim. 2:1-4)

Second, while recognizing and opposing evil in the world, be careful not to allow your spirit to be controlled by the “bad news.”  Do not become surly and characterized by an angry attitude.  Never make and enemy out of the mission field.

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Col. 4:5,6)

Finally, understand that the world, its leaders and their agenda (America included), are against God.  We should not be shocked when the world hates God and His way.  Our mission is to reach people out of this world (Acts 15:14).  We will never change the world (2 Tim. 3:13; 2 Thess. 2:6-8).  Only the judgment of God will accomplish that (see all of Revelation).

“The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.” (Ps. 2:2,3)

So in summary, while it seems the world is “going up in smoke around us,” be careful to pray through it, maintain a kind and positive spirit and do not be spiritually naive.  Remember, this world is no friend of grace - nor is it our home.  My prayer for you is that “...the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ” (2 Thess. 3:5).