Revival
If you are getting weary of the strident tone of the political "industry," don't feel alone. Here we are, nine months and a few days from the next major election and the pundits in print, radio, on-line and televised media have been overwhelming us for almost a year already. Talk radio never really quits. As believers in the Lord Jesus, how should we approach politics? As a pastor, I want our people to study candidates and issues and vote their conscience. Am I or Standish Bible Church endorsing any candidates? Not likely. Ever. And never forget that the talking heads in the media are only entertainers. Stirring the pot keeps listeners/watchers engaged. These people make their money advertising. They do not offer a public service. In fact, a nuisance abatement might be an appropriate response. They are strident, at times bombastic and they constantly "stir the pot." They keep their place in the ratings by stirring people up.
Listen or watch with discernment. Philippians 4:8 definitely applies here (as in music, movies etc.). Is what we listen to, watch or participate in honoring to God? Are you politically active? There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, I find that commendable. We need to see more believers engaging in government (as well as in every other facet of society). But remember this, a leader in and of themselves is not who we are to look to. We need to look to God and His priorities. If God's people in our nation would strive to love God and their neighbor as priorities, this nation would change for the better. We need revival, more than electoral victories.
Can you imagine the impact of applying the resources and energy that is now being poured into politics instead being poured into feeding the hungry, funding missions, preaching the gospel and caring for the needy? If the American church has a failing, it is in failing to keep first things first. Pray for our nation! Pray that God's people will step up and seek God's priorities. For a long time now the church in our nation has increasingly mirrored our society. There is a lot of the world in the church. We need to proclaim Jesus to the world in our deeds and words. Only then will revival come.
Listen or watch with discernment. Philippians 4:8 definitely applies here (as in music, movies etc.). Is what we listen to, watch or participate in honoring to God? Are you politically active? There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, I find that commendable. We need to see more believers engaging in government (as well as in every other facet of society). But remember this, a leader in and of themselves is not who we are to look to. We need to look to God and His priorities. If God's people in our nation would strive to love God and their neighbor as priorities, this nation would change for the better. We need revival, more than electoral victories.
Can you imagine the impact of applying the resources and energy that is now being poured into politics instead being poured into feeding the hungry, funding missions, preaching the gospel and caring for the needy? If the American church has a failing, it is in failing to keep first things first. Pray for our nation! Pray that God's people will step up and seek God's priorities. For a long time now the church in our nation has increasingly mirrored our society. There is a lot of the world in the church. We need to proclaim Jesus to the world in our deeds and words. Only then will revival come.
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