Proclaim...or Protest?

It is difficult, no matter who you are and no matter what your political bent, to watch or listen to the news. There are so many protests against or for something that it soon becomes a dizzying blur of opinions and facts, facts and opinions. The hatred that has been spewed from opposing groups in one violent form or another is sickening. If we are not careful, if we begin to focus on only the violence and bigotry, we can quickly become frozen in fear...or worse: take up the banner of “protest” and get caught up in it ourselves.

The world seems to becoming completely unhinged. Who do we believe? Which “side” should I take?

This is nothing new. The world, needing a Savior, has fought and brawled and squabbled and had “turf wars” for millennia. Even a cursory reading of the Bible reveals that it is filled with events quite like we are seeing and experiencing today. However, it can be a bit overwhelming at times. We may want to throw in the towel and just give up. However, if we trust in God, we need to remember that  He is bigger than that. Even the author of Psalm 73 got frustrated with the current conditions surrounding him. But he also knew there was an answer to his frustration:

“They mock and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression. They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth…But when I thought to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.”

Psalm 73:8-9, 16-17 (ESV)

Notice that understanding only came after the Psalmist had entered “into the sanctuary of God.” The interaction and exchange of opinions may be of temporary relief, but it does nothing to dispel the darkness of the troubles around us. It is only when we seek God that we begin to “see the light”.

Knowing the outcome in our heart should make it easier, right? Well, just being a Christian doesn’t mean it will be easy. Many and varied are those within the Body of Christ and many and varied are their opinions and outlook regarding current events. As we interact with other Christians, especially around the current conditions, let us be careful to not be swept up by every opinion and “fact”. If we identify as a follower of Christ, then God’s Word is the bedrock into which we must drill down and build our foundation. Political viewpoints can take their proper place, but they must take a BACK SEAT to our prime objective: that the world may know JESUS!

So, what do we do? As Christians, are we supposed to sit idly by, wringing our hands and clucking our tongue, fretting and worrying about these horrific events that seem to occupy the news every day? Hmmm?

NO! We need to remember that God is in control. A. W. Tozer once said, “While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a God Who hasn’t surrendered His authority.”

As believers and followers of Jesus, we are called to action. We are called to stand our ground, take up our positions, and be ready for battle. Not a physical battle, mind you. No. This war goes far deeper and the stakes are much higher. This war is for the very souls of those around us. To stand our ground means that our faith does not depend upon the shifting sands of circumstances but is rooted solidly in God’s Word. We take up our positions by praying, not protesting!

We cannot be ruled by how we “feel” about a particular political party, candidate, platform, or hot button issue. Oh, to be certain, our emotions will be stirred as we contact those ideas that may not align with ours. However, we must guard against finding solace within the confines of our own prejudices. We MUST, as followers of Christ, look to Him for our strength and let Him be known to those around us! Peace does not come from being aligned with a particular political stance. True peace can only come from knowing Jesus!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)