Therefore go and make disciples of all nations . . . Matthew 28:19
A lot of us long to see the day when our country returns to its moral foundations. Yet, as wonderful as it would be to see a nation reclaimed for God and the principles of His Word, if it were simply a political victory that reinstates rules of better behavior, the changes would only be external, and our hearts would not be changed. I am for being a good Christian citizen and seeking to preserve morality. Any country is better when the values of biblical morality reign. But if we hope only in political change to reinstate living by Gods laws, then we have lost sight of Christs primary mission for us.
As Ravi Zacharias has noted, If we succeed in making America more moral, then what we will have is more lost moral Americans. In The Pilgrims Progress, Pilgrim gets sidetracked into a layover in the village of Morality, where all is morally correct. He finds, however, that morality without the cross cannot alleviate his burden of sin.
Unfortunately, we have been led to believe that political triumph over the enemies of godliness is a priority goal. Yet, politics can be a seductive sidetrack. It tempts us to shift our eyes away from what must be the focus of true followersconcern for the lost and for the growth of believers in Jesus.
Maybe you can identify with the woman who approached me before a meeting. She told me that for two years she had been so deeply involved in political causes that she had neglected her growth in Jesus and her commitment to her local church in both time and giving. She had even come to see those on the other side of the political fence as enemies rather than ones for whom Jesus died. She admitted that during this time her intimacy with the Lord had dimmed. She was convicted about how quickly her political adrenaline had eclipsed her passion for the things of God and eternity.
While it may be energizing and exciting for us to believe that we are doing our Christian duty by marching, politicking, protesting, and supporting groups that do these things, it may well distract us from the most important taskglorifying God through Christlikeness and an unwavering commitment to the eternal destinies of friends and enemies alike.
When Jesus instructed His followers to make disciples of all nations, He didnt mean that we should get caught up in political agendas that drive the nations government. He intended that we reach the people of our nation with the message of the gospel.
The best way to win any nation to God is to care about the eternal destinies of its citizens and to seek to lead them to the true King one at a time!
YOUR JOURNEY
What are some well-meaning political causes that tend to get Christians sidetracked today? How have those causes affected you personally? Have you been completely disinterested or distracted? Either end of the spectrum indicates an off-balance perspective.
What is the balance between appropriate concern for a declining culture and concern for the people living in it?
What have you done recently to advance the cause of Jesus?
Think of someone you know who might be a victim of a political issue, such as abortion, homosexuality, or homelessness. What can you do to reach that person with the love of Jesus?
One of my heroes was Davy Crockett, the King of the Wild Frontier. I looked up to him, admiring his courage and exploits.
Years later, my father gave me a book that traced the experiences of the real-life David Crockett. I was surprised by his humanness. The real Davy Crockett made mistakes and had serious personal problems. The book depicted him as both flawed and frail.
This was both disappointing and reassuring to me. It was disappointing because he was less than I had come to believe, but reassuring because that reality made Crockett more accessible to meand even more of a hero.
In the Bible we see that God consistently used people who were far less than perfect. That shouldnt surprise us. God is glorified by showing Himself strong through our weaknesses. It shows us that He desires to work through our lives not because we are perfect but because He is. And since He uses weak and foolish things (1 Cor. 1:27), it means you and I are prime candidates for His work.
The Lord isnt looking for superheroes. He uses those of us who are flawed and frail, so that He can show His strength and grace. He wants those with a willing and available heart. Bill Crowder
Its not in the flash of the style that you hone, Nor all the degrees youve compiled; The Savior is looking for servants who own The warm, willing heart of a child. Gustafson
In Gods service, our greatest ability is our availability.
Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3One Sunday I heard Mike talk about his relationship with his two fathersthe one who raised him as a child, and his Father in heaven.
First he described his childhood trust toward his earthly father as simple and uncomplicated. He expected his dad to fix broken things and to give advice. He dreaded displeasing him, however, because he often forgot that his fathers love and forgiveness always followed.
Mike continued, Some years ago I made a mess of things and hurt a lot of people. Because of my guilt, I ended a happy, simple relationship with my heavenly Father. I forgot that I could ask Him to fix what I had broken and seek His advice.
Years passed. Eventually Mike became desperate for God, yet he wondered what to do. His pastor said simply, Say youre sorry to God, and mean it!
Instead, Mike asked complicated questions, like: How does this work? and What if . . .?
Finally his pastor prayed, Please, God, give Mike the faith of a child! Mike later testified joyfully, The Lord did!
Mike found closeness with his heavenly Father. The key for him and for us is to practice the simple and uncomplicated faith of a child. Joanie Yoder
Have you noticed that the childlike faith Of a little girl or boy Has so often shown to older folks How to know salvations joy? Branon
