THE CHURCH: A Prevailing Word for The Church in The World

45 Days of Praying for the Elections - DAY 27

At the time of this notation the current U.S. President has stepped away from pursuing another term with some controversy, with half the nation weeping, and half cheering; a former U.S. president has been shot in the ear, with half the nation enraged about the assault and half enraged that the attempt failed; half of the country finds the inflation and cost of living unbearable, while others espouse that we have the strongest economy in the world; nations rage against nations with no end in sight; criminal activity in urban spaces is at an all-time high; education, and the ranks of the educable is at an all-time low; one side screams 'its a baby in the womb', while the other screams 'my body, my choice'; the southwest border of the republic remains ill-defined with some preferring it 'open' and others 'closed'; and in the context of gender matters, there are those who embrace the convention of limited pronouns, while others favor a range of evolving and escalating pronoun choices.

The polarization of thoughts and affections couldn't be greater, short of civil unrest [which we've seen]. Just what ought the good Christian do? How should we be in this mix? How should we respond to a parody of Jesus' last Passover with His disciples on perhaps the largest stage in the world?  Why would the dramatization of this historic event be permitted as a 'drag show'? Consider the challenge of it, a huge opportunity to share Christ across many more conversations. Conflict has always been a part of the Bible narrative, even in Corinth from where we regard our text. The answer hasn't changed though the times, places, and persons have: Be aware!  Prayerfully attend those matters with heavenly guidance, the revealed Word. Be steadfast in understanding and well-doing, with all being grounded upon love. You may not see the change of your desires, but you can be the change you want to see, with God. You may even lose friends, and perhaps create enemies, but be steadfast.

Jesus said "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34 There is a righteous reality, and an unrighteous reality; a narrow way and a broad way. Sharing the truth in love may not be easy, and yet that is our calling, one soul at a time, one day at a time, 'all to the glory of God' [1 Corinthians 10:31]. Let’s be obedient to the call. "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love." [1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV]  After all, we're not wrestling against flesh and blood [Ephesians 6:12]. Lay up those treasures in heaven [Matthew 6:19-20] !

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for that peace which passes all understanding. I ask for Your help with the right feelings, knowing, speaking, and doing, as things in this world turns evermore restless and dark. I hope to bless You, across the needs of others, with that which You've given me. Lord, please forgive any hesitancy on my part. Have Your way Lord. Amen.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington