"Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them." Isaiah 1:23
In spite of our political state maybe looking more and more like this, I spend too much time being critical of the government and its ways. Yes I think it's inefficient and wastes a great deal of resources for the wrong reasons...but I'm forgetting the larger picture that God is in control. Always.
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and please God our Savior...." 1 Timothy 2:1-3a
I complain. I don't pray. I don't act on my own. This is a problem.
One of my favorite movies of all time is Shawshank Redemption. There's a famous line that Morgan Freeman says so well in his Morgan Freeman voice: "Get busy living, or get busy dying."
I could spend a lifetime and find endless channels to criticize this or that regarding government, or I could decide to use my time in trying to set up a parallel government. A government of righteousness and peace, bringing God's Holy City to earth.
Christ's government is characterized by love, mercy, justice hope, faith...not whiners and complainers.
The real complaint lies with the attitude of my heart, not big uncle Sam.
Showing posts with label 1 Timothy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1 Timothy. Show all posts
8.21.2009
God's Health Care Plan
The health care debate in America is "blowin' up" and getting out of control. Sanity please!
I’m not proposing that I know God’s heart when it comes to health care for America. Public option. Grandma death panels. Increased taxes for small business. I’m not sure what God thinks of those things, but His Word does talk about some really important things that I think are being missed or glossed over during this national debate.
“Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:13-17)
First of all, it’s kind of funny that Peter wrote this. The same Peter who wanted to fight the authority forces of power that came to arrest Jesus (and did, cutting off an ear). The same Peter at wits end for denying Jesus three times and then hearing the cock crow (Luke 22). The same Peter who met on the beach with the resurrected Christ (John 21), promising to follow Jesus and striving towards bringing His kingdom here to earth, even if it would cost his life (and it did).
Jesus changed Peter tremendously.
Maybe it was coincidence that Peter, with no medical training, became an amazing physician himself, healing a lifelong cripple in an instant (Acts 3). No, it wasn’t an accident. Christ was the reason that Peter was empowered to take care of such a sick man.
I point this passage and Peter’s story out to ask: are Christ followers doing and being health care in America, or are they just arguing, complaining, and debating like the rest of the world?
The passage in 1 Peter emphasizes “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men…Love the brotherhood of believers.”
When was the last time Christ followers took care of widows and orphans? (James 1:27)
Are Christ followers serving the needy out of a desire for wordly recognition or a passion to love Jesus? (Matthew 6:1-4)
Do Christ followers pray in the morning that their leaders during the day will be seeking to make health care decisions that are after God’s own heart? (1 Timothy 2:1) Doing this because they know that the Lord Mighty God is completely in control?
Are Christ followers giving more of themselves to others, losing their life by the world’s standards, than they are expecting or taking from others? (Luke 9:23-27)
It’s great to be zealous and passionate about certain proposals regarding the future of health care in America. Yet, Christ followers can set a greater and more powerful example for health care reform by living out Jesus’ example and His teachings on health care, and not just debating it.
I’m not proposing that I know God’s heart when it comes to health care for America. Public option. Grandma death panels. Increased taxes for small business. I’m not sure what God thinks of those things, but His Word does talk about some really important things that I think are being missed or glossed over during this national debate.
“Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:13-17)
First of all, it’s kind of funny that Peter wrote this. The same Peter who wanted to fight the authority forces of power that came to arrest Jesus (and did, cutting off an ear). The same Peter at wits end for denying Jesus three times and then hearing the cock crow (Luke 22). The same Peter who met on the beach with the resurrected Christ (John 21), promising to follow Jesus and striving towards bringing His kingdom here to earth, even if it would cost his life (and it did).
Jesus changed Peter tremendously.
Maybe it was coincidence that Peter, with no medical training, became an amazing physician himself, healing a lifelong cripple in an instant (Acts 3). No, it wasn’t an accident. Christ was the reason that Peter was empowered to take care of such a sick man.
I point this passage and Peter’s story out to ask: are Christ followers doing and being health care in America, or are they just arguing, complaining, and debating like the rest of the world?
The passage in 1 Peter emphasizes “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men…Love the brotherhood of believers.”
When was the last time Christ followers took care of widows and orphans? (James 1:27)
Are Christ followers serving the needy out of a desire for wordly recognition or a passion to love Jesus? (Matthew 6:1-4)
Do Christ followers pray in the morning that their leaders during the day will be seeking to make health care decisions that are after God’s own heart? (1 Timothy 2:1) Doing this because they know that the Lord Mighty God is completely in control?
Are Christ followers giving more of themselves to others, losing their life by the world’s standards, than they are expecting or taking from others? (Luke 9:23-27)
It’s great to be zealous and passionate about certain proposals regarding the future of health care in America. Yet, Christ followers can set a greater and more powerful example for health care reform by living out Jesus’ example and His teachings on health care, and not just debating it.
8.11.2009
the way I speak
I was realizing something the other day, so I thought I'd write a post on it in case it resonates with anyone else.
The world is boastful, arrogant, loud, it wants to be known and gain recognition. I pick up on this example and end up doing the same thing. It translates into speech and thoughts which aren't always God-honoring. I'll sometimes joke, or gossip, or speak about someone behind their back in a negative way to affirm myself in the conversation, or in some weird way I'm trying to gain approval if I concede to talk about something or someone in a way that is not building up or encouraging.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)
It's a big deal because it hurts the person I'm talking unwholesomely talking about, and it is a poor testimony on my part to Christ, for others are listening "..that it may benefit those who listen."
In contrast, those who are quiet and peaceful (who I dare to sometimes judge that they need to be more "active" or "vocal" about their faith)...know something I seem to forget too often.
"...that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:26 NIV)
"Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." (1 Peter 3:4)
The people who are quiet and gentle have a firm and bold peace and understanding that their salvation is found in the boldness and sovereignty of Christ. In light of this, they have no need to be load and boastful, or have a need to be heard by the world.
I should take notice of this example.
The world is boastful, arrogant, loud, it wants to be known and gain recognition. I pick up on this example and end up doing the same thing. It translates into speech and thoughts which aren't always God-honoring. I'll sometimes joke, or gossip, or speak about someone behind their back in a negative way to affirm myself in the conversation, or in some weird way I'm trying to gain approval if I concede to talk about something or someone in a way that is not building up or encouraging.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)
It's a big deal because it hurts the person I'm talking unwholesomely talking about, and it is a poor testimony on my part to Christ, for others are listening "..that it may benefit those who listen."
In contrast, those who are quiet and peaceful (who I dare to sometimes judge that they need to be more "active" or "vocal" about their faith)...know something I seem to forget too often.
"...that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:26 NIV)
"Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." (1 Peter 3:4)
The people who are quiet and gentle have a firm and bold peace and understanding that their salvation is found in the boldness and sovereignty of Christ. In light of this, they have no need to be load and boastful, or have a need to be heard by the world.
I should take notice of this example.
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