The Art of Being Out-Gunned (The Last Part)
Posted on November 3, 2016 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NKJV)
I was kind of shocked recently to find out that one of The Victory Call writers decided to write on the very same undertone topic I have been discussing the past few Freedom Fighters. Erin Culleny shared her thoughts recently, and will be doing so in her next writings, on the political atmosphere that surrounds Christians. Erin is in the same age range as my own son and daughter (they served on summer staff with each other) and apparently has the ability to be as candid as this Freedom Fighter writer has been in the past. So, it got me wondering…what are we older aged Christians been exhibiting to our younger aged Christians concerning what we think are good sound politics?
During her recent visit home, my own daughter Karen and I had a candid conversation on something Erin hit on in her Victory Call. To quote Erin, “I’m pretty disappointed by how many people belonging to the body of Christ have been presenting themselves through this season. I’m shocked by the hate, anger, and unkindness I see from everyone – believers and nonbelievers alike. People have this mentality of ‘if you don’t agree with me, you’re an enemy.’ I have seen my dear brothers and sisters in Christ treating others like garbage because of this election… insulting people’s personality, character, education, political beliefs, even looks.”
“If you don’t agree with me, you’re an enemy” rang out when I read it. Even the Christian youth of America can see that we don’t do well when it comes to loving our enemies. It’s true that those who reside in “Secularland: America” can claim to hate those who disagree with them…but we ain’t supposed to be doin’ that! Once again I feel that our hearts need to hinge on what was taught during the Sermon on the Mount. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! (Matt 5:43-44) Those are red-letter words…ain’t no escaping them, unless you’ve got a better Gospel message than Jesus and to that I say “Good Luck.”
Pastor Ray Pritchard recently shared this story in his “How To Love Your Enemies” pamphlet. “When German pastor Martin Niemoller was arrested by the Nazis in World War II, he prayed daily from his prison cell for his captors. Other prisoners asked why he prayed for those who were his enemies. “Do you know anyone who needs your prayers more than your enemies?” he replied. But what if you hate the person you are praying for? Tell that to the Lord. He won’t be surprised. Then say something like this, “Lord, I hate this person, but you already know that. I ask you to love this person through me because I can’t do it in my own power. I ask you for a love I don’t have and can’t begin to produce.” God will not turn you away when you come with an honest heart, admitting you need his love to flow through you.”
When this election season is over God will still be on The Throne. Someone you don’t like will be in a position to make decisions you don’t support and guess what…it’s been like that for a real long time. I’m not exactly a fan of the first Adam because his one act of disobedience created a chaos I can’t stand living in, BUT GOD. I recently stood where George Washington stood when he took a leap of faith across the Delaware River and wondered if he thought, BUT GOD. Are you going into a voting booth with the same thought? Or are you gonna go in there thinking that by hitting this button YOUR “Christian Living” is gonna get better with this person in office? If that’s the case maybe you should just stay home and watch the results on TV.
However, when you do go out to vote how about mediating on these red-letter words, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Now go ahead and hit the little red button that says “Vote”. Amen?
Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) is married (Kathy) with two adult children (Kevin and Karen) and has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008.
The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 3; Proverbs 3
Daily Quote: “How then does love conquer? By asking not how the enemy treats her but only how Jesus treated her. The love for our enemies takes us along the way of the cross and into fellowship with the Crucified. The more we are driven along this road, the more certain is the victory of love over the enemies hatred.”- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
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