There have been many adaptations to the quote that is often attributed to Abraham Lincoln, where he supposedly said in an unconfirmed speech, “You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”
One of those adaptations goes like this, “You can please all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot please all the people all the time.”
Over the years, as I have matured in the faith and grown in my understanding of the Word of God, I have become much less concerned about “pleasing people” and much more concerned about pleasing God. While I am still a work in progress in this regard, my desire is to honor the Lord by speaking the truth in love—fully realizing that sometimes the truth hurts. But as every true Christian should know, it is the Holy Spirit inspired truth of God’s Word that God uses to penetrate hearts, and challenge our thinking and actions.
So, while I am not all that interested in engaging folks in a political debate, I am always open to sharing what the Bible has to say on any number of issues—even if those issues are unpopular of culturally controversial.
One such issue that I have somewhat avoided (until now) is the issue of the “Christian’s responsibility to those governing authorities with whom they may vehemently disagree.”
Count me among the crowd who is disgusted by the morally reprehensible behavior of some in elected or appointed office. Add me to the list of those who deeply value the sanctity of human life and God-designed marriage. Label me a right-wing evangelical conservative and I’ll take it as a compliment.
Those of us who stand for the truth of God’s Word and vote with the Bible in our back pocket, have been criticized, marginalized, and even victimized. While I get all of that, sometimes our behavior and words are not honoring to God. Please listen to me.
Sometimes what we view as our constitutional right to say and do whatever we want, whenever and however we want to say and do it under the guise of “righteous anger,” violates the very Bible we say we believe.
Allow me to elaborate.
As I have increasingly observed the ongoing political narrative in our country, it has caused me to introspectively reflect on a number of penetrating biblical truths and directives that should serve as a reminder to all of us that our chief responsibility is to please God in all things.
Here are SIX TIMELY REMINDERS:
- We are to always remember that God is sovereign (Psalm 103:19, 135:6).
–He is the Creator and Sustainer of the world and all that is in it (Colossians 1:16-17). As Christians, we should be quite content that not only is He in control, but that He is carrying out His purposes according to His eternal plan (Ephesians 1:11-12).
- We are to remember that it is God who places kings and rulers in authority over us (Daniel 2:21; Romans 13:1).
–God is not obligated to give us the “whys” of what He does (Deuteronomy 29:29). But we are obligated to give Him our trust (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- We are to remember that as Christians, we are aliens and strangers on this earth, and are indeed, citizens of heaven (I Peter 2:11; Philippians 3:20).
–While we are blessed to live in a representative democracy, where “we the people” are a vital component in our form of Government, we need to be reminded to take limited stock in the things of this earth and maintain a heavenly mindset and an eternal perspective (Colossians 3:2; I John 2:15-17).
- We are to respect, honor, and submit to our leaders (I Peter 2:13-20).
–Have we long since forgotten the admonitions of scripture to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44)? To “bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:28)? To “never repay evil with evil, or insult with insult, but with blessing” (I Peter 3:9)?
–We are to respect, honor and submit to our leaders not because we necessarily agree with their lifestyle or their policies, but as to the Lord.
–It is one thing to disagree with a leader’s behavior or politics, it is quite another to engage in destructive rhetoric that dishonors and disrespects those whom God has placed in authority.
- We are to earnestly pray for those whom God has placed in authority over us (I Timothy 2:1-3).
–It is much harder to cross the line with our words and actions, if we are praying for someone. Prayer is a powerful reminder of our submission to the will of God.
- We are to remember that the world is watching and we have a testimony to uphold (I Peter 2:12).
It is sad to say, but I know of a number of Christians who seem to be more astute in local and national politics than they are in the Bible. They listen to far more political commentary than Biblical commentary.
Perhaps it is time for some recalibration. I trust that these biblical reminders will serve as a help and encouragement to us all.
(GraceLife Gazette—April, 2018)