Pastor's Ponderings, April 13, 2015

Politicians May Announce But God Anoints

From now until the election in November 2016, we are in for a tumultuous time of billion dollar spending, persuasive arguments, hurtful insults, political demonstrations, and endless commercials attempting to persuade voters that this or that candidate is all that is standing between major catastrophe and us.  This political season reminds us of Rudyard Kipling’s poem, “If” where he admonishes us to keep our heads when all around us are losing theirs. The back and forth can be good fun for some, deadly serious business for others, but we must consider what God is telling us. 

In the book of Timothy, many political voices may be aptly described as controversial, quarrelsome, malicious and even using religious teachings to make their points (1 Timothy 6:3-5).  This book goes on to say godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).  We must focus on the things that are important such as God, His word, and His will and not simply on a relentless pursuit of power and finances (1 Timothy 6:9, 10). 

During this political season when God has seemingly been relegated to the back seat, let us remember that He is the only one that promotes and He is the only one that directs our leaders (Psalm 75:6-7).  Let us pray for all of those in the political arena that they agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching (1 Timothy 6:3).

1 Timothy 6:3-6, 9, 10

New International Version (NIV)

3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,
4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions
5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Psalm 75:6-7
New International Version (NIV)

6 No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves.

7 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.