Ephesians 6:12 NIV
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
We have election day coming up in a couple of days.
The mailboxes are full of political messages from both sides of the political spectrum. If you elect the democrats, they will do this, and if you select the republicans, they will do this.
After 55 years on this planet, I concluded that it doesn’t matter who is elected if our hearts are not submitted to the Word of God.
I look at the political messages that pit one group against another. And they prey on the sinful desires of people trying to get to vote for them.
One of the hot-button issues that the media is trying to gin up is abortion. With the Supreme Court rolling back Rowe vs. Wade, we find a very emotional issue for those who don’t believe in God and feel their “rights” are taken away.
But this is the rub. There is only one way to become pregnant: to have sex between a man and a woman.
‘Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. ‘ Hebrews 13:4
But this means nothing to someone who doesn’t acknowledge the Word of God as the source of our moral code.
Those who don’t believe in the Word of God will feel that their “rights” are at risk. So the question is, are they the enemy?
According to the focus scripture, the answer is no.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…”
We are in a spiritual battle that started with these words, “Did God really say…”
For the Christian man and woman, the best way to “defend” the Word of God is by living a life submitted to the Word of God.
It is not by standing in the streets with signs and yelling and screaming in the faces of others to try and get them to change.
“A person convinced against their will is of the same opinion still.” I heard this saying long ago, and it has stuck with me. But when we try to impose our wills on those around us, a “temporary” change may happen, but when the imposition disappears, the person will go back to the way they were before.
‘Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.’ 2 Timothy 2:22-26
Let’s break this down:
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
For the believer, we start with ourselves. There is a Christian song, I remember hearing when I was a child called, “Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me.” The important part is “let it begin with me.”
‘If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ‘ Romans 12:18
We can’t control how people act or think. And as we’ll see a little further in this portion of scripture, that is not our responsibility.
Another key is “along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” If we call ourselves Christians and do not belong to a local fellowship, there is a problem.
‘And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. ‘ Hebrews 10:24-25
We are called to encourage each other and bear each other’s burdens.
‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. ‘ Galatians 6:2
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.“
As Christians, we are the “Lord’s servant,” and as a Lord’s servant, we are not to be dragged into arguments or quarrelsome. The Apostle Paul knows all about this subject with false teachers and “super-apostles” who came in behind him with a false gospel that is still being battled against today.
“Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.“
We are called to “gently” instruct; if we are to teach, we need to have a solid knowledge of the Word of God. To have that foundation, we must consistently be in God’s Word.
‘Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. ‘ 2 Timothy 2:15
If you are uncertain about what the Word of God says about a subject, it is best not to say anything. Seek out the answers through study for the next time you may have this conversation.
The most important part about this portion of scripture is “in hope that God will grant them repentance.”
God does the saving, not us. He is the one who has the power to change hearts. Our job is to guide them to God’s Word humbly. The rest will be in His hands.
As we head to the polls, let’s not forget God is in sovereign control.
Instead of thinking that the people we vote into office will take care of us, maybe it is best to step out our front door and help those around us who we know need help.
Let’s love God and love others.
Let there be peace on earth, and LET IT BEGIN WITH ME!
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Your Word is the one thing that will never change.
Please help us to study ourselves to be approved, rightly dividing Your Word so that we can help those around us get to know You through our thoughts, actions, and words.
I pray that You give me the heart to be compassionate and help me to know when Your Spirit prompts me to help.
I pray for the leaders in our country, and I pray that You change their hearts to get to know You better.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!!
