Dear Friends,
A few weeks back we wrote about the difficulty Christians may have honoring God while participating in the election process. The battle lines have been drawn, and as we move toward the general election things threaten to get worse rather than better. How can we Christians avoid being sucked into the bitterness?
A starting place is to realize that the responsibilities of our election as sons and daughters of God supercede any stake we may have in an election campaign.
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love … Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 5-7, 10-11 (NIV)
In Philippians 2:13, as it appears in the International Children’s Version (ICV), we learn that God gives us the power to do things that please him: “Yes, God is working in you to help you want to do what pleases him. Then he gives you the power to do it.” But as we read on to verses 14 and 15a, we know we fall short. “Do everything without complaining or arguing. Then you will be innocent and without anything wrong in you. You will be God’s children without fault”.
Over the next few months it is likely that we will encounter brothers and sister in Christ who have political views with which we strongly disagree. If we are going to be God’s children without fault, we are going to have to pray that God will give us the power to embrace the qualities listed in 2nd Peter.
Faith: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 (NLT)
Goodness: “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8
Knowledge: “Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.” Proverbs 18:15
“Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.” Psalm 119:66 (NIV)
Self-Control: “Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.” Proverbs 16:32 (NLT)
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19
Perseverance: “Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:11
Godliness: “Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
Mutual affection and love: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34-35
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2
If all else fails … “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13
Blessings and prayers for America,
Your Friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 