Tue, Jun 16, 2009
What if we traded...?
What if we traded all the critical whining and condemnation we get so vocal about in regards to our governmental leaders with prayer? What if, everytime we were about to say something critical - we prayed instead? This country and world would never be the same.
I just don't understand how we (Christians) can read this verse and others that speak of praying for, respecting, and obeying our authorities - and then shut our Bibles and enter into a slam-fest of criticism for our governmental leaders! I don't care which party may or may not be more Christian, which leader is pro-Abortion or pro-life, which leader supports same-sex marriages or one man-one woman marriages, which leader does or doesn't want "one nation under God" removed from the pledge of allegience. This is not about any of that. This is about prayer.
Yes, I get frustrated with politics too and I don't want to give anyone the impression I am perfect in this. I have entered into some pretty lively slam-fests of local, state, and federal leaders. And the whole time, I had this gnawing in the pit of my heart. Why? Because I was doing something against God's will and I knew it but was intentionally choosing to disregard (do I dare say disobey?) God!
And don't get me started on the criticism that takes place in local churches toward pastors and other church staff and leaders. I personally have been the recipient of some of the most unkind, critical, divisive words by men and women who would consider themselves "godly" and doing it all because they love me and love the church. But their objective is not one of restoration and moving me or other church leaders toward being more Christ-like. Their objective is the selfish, self-preserving righteousness of their opinion and position. (Hmmm...I think Paul was clear to Timothy what to do with men like that.) The truth of their intentions are realized when they continue to talk to others in the church, creating more division - or they leave the church altogether but in their wake leave damaged people - particularly new Christians who are trying to figure this whole God thing out anyway.
What if ... everytime we were about to criticize a government leader, a church leader, a school teacher, a police officer, a parent - anyone in a position of authority ... what if, instead, would pray? What if we actually did what Paul is asking Timothy and the Christians in Ephesus to do?
What if?
I just don't understand how we (Christians) can read this verse and others that speak of praying for, respecting, and obeying our authorities - and then shut our Bibles and enter into a slam-fest of criticism for our governmental leaders! I don't care which party may or may not be more Christian, which leader is pro-Abortion or pro-life, which leader supports same-sex marriages or one man-one woman marriages, which leader does or doesn't want "one nation under God" removed from the pledge of allegience. This is not about any of that. This is about prayer.
Yes, I get frustrated with politics too and I don't want to give anyone the impression I am perfect in this. I have entered into some pretty lively slam-fests of local, state, and federal leaders. And the whole time, I had this gnawing in the pit of my heart. Why? Because I was doing something against God's will and I knew it but was intentionally choosing to disregard (do I dare say disobey?) God!
And don't get me started on the criticism that takes place in local churches toward pastors and other church staff and leaders. I personally have been the recipient of some of the most unkind, critical, divisive words by men and women who would consider themselves "godly" and doing it all because they love me and love the church. But their objective is not one of restoration and moving me or other church leaders toward being more Christ-like. Their objective is the selfish, self-preserving righteousness of their opinion and position. (Hmmm...I think Paul was clear to Timothy what to do with men like that.) The truth of their intentions are realized when they continue to talk to others in the church, creating more division - or they leave the church altogether but in their wake leave damaged people - particularly new Christians who are trying to figure this whole God thing out anyway.
What if ... everytime we were about to criticize a government leader, a church leader, a school teacher, a police officer, a parent - anyone in a position of authority ... what if, instead, would pray? What if we actually did what Paul is asking Timothy and the Christians in Ephesus to do?
What if?
From the YouVersion Blog RSS Feed
Videos for you to use Introducing YouVersion Live to your Group, Church or Event
Below are a couple resources we wanted to pass on to all of you who have been creating groups and events... Read more »
