To be honest, the last 24 hours have been hard as I have wrestled with what took place in our nation’s Capitol. I have observed scenes like this in other countries, but I never thought I would see it here in America. What took place was wrong, frightening and disgraceful. However, the sun set, like is always does, and the sun rose again giving us another day. As a follower of Christ and one who loves our nation, how do I move forward? According to the Word of God, what should my response and my call be? Here is what God is teaching me as I process the day in which we live.
1) Honor President Biden
Congress declared Joe Biden the next president according to the electoral votes. So according to God’s Word, we are to honor him, pray for him and submit to his authority. As I started my 2021 journal today (yes, I am a little behind), I added to my weekly prayer list for Friday mornings “President Joe Biden”. I will pray for him and honor him, as he is put in office by God (Romans 13; I Peter 2:13-14).
2) Be Kind to Everyone
This verse jumped out at me over the last 24 hours: “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but kind to everyone.” (I Timothy 2:24). Kindness is an action that we show when we have been transformed by Jesus. Ephesians 4:32 says to be kind like Christ was to us. In everything that we do, to every person that we come in contact with, let our actions be actions of kindness. It does not matter the political party they hail, the color of their skin, or the social or economic class they fall into – we are to be kind to everyone!
3) Seek the Good of the City
The prophet Jeremiah told Israel to seek the good of Babylon as they were in captivity (Jeremiah 29:7). Jesus told His disciples to pay taxes to Caesar (Mark 12:13-17). Paul told Titus to be ready for every good work (Titus 3:2). Peter told the Christians under the rule of Nero to “do good”. As sojourners and exiles (I Peter 2:11), we are called to act for the good of our city. We are called not only to act that way, but to seek out the good of our city. We are to be model citizens as we live above reproach in a broken world. Our Savior makes things new, so we are never more like Christ than when we make things better in the world we live in today.
4) Remember the King is Coming!
Do you know why I have hope today? Because my hope is not in America or a leader. My hope is in my King who is coming back! Peter says that we “hope fully in the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation” (I Peter 1:13). I hope in what I do not see but what I know is coming. My citizenship is in Heaven, and today, I wait eagerly for my King to return and transform this lowly body into a resurrected body! (Philippians 4:20) Jesus come quickly! He is coming and will make all things new! (Revelation 21:1-5). Let us never forget where our hope lies, Who we follow and why we live…FOR HIS GLORY!
All Loss 4 Christ 