Let me first preface this blog by saying that this is not a political post. It is not about which party is right or wrong or who to vote for. This article is instead about the one true King in whom we should place all our trust and give all our glory. That king of course is Jesus Christ!

It has been a little over a month since my last blog. During that time, my family has been very busy still adjusting to our new schedule. Fall is also a busy time for us with meetings, trips and other special events. This past month, we have been on a few different field trips, traveled out of town with family to a special Jack-’O-Lantern spectacular and rescued a stray cat! As a church musician, this has also been a busy season for me with special church festivals and weddings to play for. We have also had a lot on our hearts this past month, as well as much of the nation, with the presidential election.

No matter what side you voted for in the recent election, there have been a lot of emotions involved, everything from happiness, sadness, worry, anger, resentment, joy and the list goes on and on. There has also been a lot of division between the people of this country including between families, friends and even church bodies. I want to take a step back from all of this to see what the Bible has to say.

We can learn a lot from what Paul writes to us in the book of Romans. In Romans 12:2, he says this, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

As Christians, we should strive to transform our hearts and minds to be more like Christ and less like people. When we put God first, and not man, the love of Christ will show through us. As humans, we all have a sinful nature. Satan uses that to his advantage. When we adhere to false teachings, no matter who they are coming from, we stray further away from the Word of God. This is exactly what Satan wants us to do. If we are not careful, we are easily led astray. 

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls.” Luke 11:17. This is one of Satan’s biggest tactics used to cause us to fall away from God. He does everything that he can to cause division between not only the human race, but especially among Christians. He knows that the more we are divided amongst ourselves the weaker we become. In order to stand up to and defeat the enemy, we must have solidarity in Christ Jesus. Otherwise, we are destined to fail, and unfortunately, this has proved itself over the course of history time and time again. 

Romans 12:4-5 states, “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” In our homeschool studies this year, we have been learning about the human body. Not only has it been fascinating to learn how intricately detailed each and every part of our body is, but also to learn how much each part, from the tiniest cells to the largest organs all play a vital role in keeping us alive. If just one part is not properly functioning, our whole bodies will be out of sync.

It is the same way in the kingdom of God. We all have different roles to play and different skills to bring to the table. Each and every one of us, however, plays a very big role in spreading God’s love and message to the world. It’s easy to think that you are but a tiny speck in this vast world, but always remember that you are important. What you do does have an impact on this world. You are an important part of the body of Christ.

So how does this affect the current situation of this world? Many people feel their voice is so small that they could never really make a difference. This is absolutely not true, and it is another lie that Satan feeds us. He wants us to believe that what we do doesn’t matter, so why try?

Instead, follow these words from Paul about love: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good…Live in harmony with one another…Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone…live at peace with everyone…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:9, 16, 17, 18 & 21. If we follow this example, we are being the body of Christ to the world. Remember, also, these words from Jesus:

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40.

The biggest changes start in the smallest of ways. It reminds me of the song we would sing at Bible camp every summer. Pass It On. It only takes a spark to get a fire going. One act of kindness, one display of love, one caring deed is all it takes to spread the love of Christ.

So, the next time you are scrolling through your newsfeed and you see something posted that you do not agree with, resist the temptation to reply with nasty words or by starting an argument. Instead, think of what Jesus would do. How would he respond to these words?

Growing up in the ’90s, it was always the popular thing to have the W.W.J.D. (What Would Jesus Do?) bracelets to wear. It was this simple reminder that taught us to think before we respond to a situation. As adults we still need this reminder often. Instead of using hurtful words, think of how you could respond in a way that shows Jesus’ love.

Jesus gave this commandment to his disciples on the night of the last supper, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35.

We show others Christ’s love by setting the example. How we react to the world around us, and how we respond to difficult situations are a direct reflection of Christ in us. To quote Romans 12:21 again, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”, meaning do not respond to the evil in this world by doing more evil. Instead, respond with love. Love others the way that Christ loves you. This is not always an easy task, but it is what we are called to do.

So we know that we need to help spread God’s love, but how do we erase all the worry and fear that we may hold in our hearts? I’ve talked about worry before in previous blog posts. Worry is just another one of Satan’s tactics to draw us away from God. So when we are worried about the current state of this world, or even our own country, what do we do? The answer is simple. Instead of placing our ultimate trust in earthly rulers, place all of your trust in the one and only true king Jesus Christ.

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

“On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” Revelation 19:16

There is only one kingdom or nation that ultimately matters, and that is the kingdom of God. If we confess and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we will one day share in that glorious kingdom with him. Through his death and resurrection, he has prepared a place for us in heaven. He sacrificed himself for our sins so that we could one day join him.

When times get tough and worry sets in, remember these words from Jesus, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:2-3.

Do not burden yourself with the uncertainty of this earthly kingdom. Instead remember that you have a much, much better heavenly kingdom awaiting you. One that is free from heartache and tears, worry, anxiety and pain. Focus on your one true King, Jesus Christ. He is the only way to this glorious heavenly kingdom.

To God be the glory, forever and ever. AMEN!!

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