Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Pastor's Ponderings, May 11, 2021

Let God’s Peace Rule Our Nation

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a research fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, wrote an article in The Post entitled, “Tribalism has come to the West.”  She wrote, “Numerous studies support the hypothesis that American life — not just politics, but life in general — has become deeply polarised. The deeply divided society we now live in increasingly reminds me of clan or tribal behaviour in Africa.”

 

The Bible says that these constant conflicts have a deep basis in hatred (James 4:1, 2). What should we do when we see groups and even Christians who feel that God is leading them vehemently oppose or support a cause even if it involves disrespect?  It is time to ask God for His wisdom during this time of political conflict (James 1:5-7).  He will make a clear path for how we should behave while others conflict with each other (Psalm 119:105)

 

God has already stated His will.  If His people would humble themselves and pray and seek His face and stop their wicked ways, He promised that He would hear them and heal the land (2 Chronicles 7:14).  In the meantime, God wants us to live peaceably with all people even with those who may disagree with your viewpoint (Hebrews 12:14).  When others are demanding that all follow their way of thinking, the Bible says that we should let God’s peace rule (Colossians 3:15) and He will guide our footsteps (Psalm 37:23).

 

James 4:1, 2

New International Version

1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 

2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.

 

James 1:5-7

New International Version

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 
7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

 

Psalm 119:105

New International Version

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path

 

2 Chronicles 7:14 

New International Version

14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

 

Hebrews 12:14 

New International Version

14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

 

Colossians 3:15

New International Version

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

 

Psalm 37:23 

King James Version

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.


 

 

 

 

 

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