Pastor’s Perspective 10-27-2020

Based on my conversations in recent weeks, folks are increasingly anxious about the election. I share many of their concerns for our country and its future. At the same time, I have chosen not to worry. Chip Ingram, CEO and Teaching Pastor of Living on the Edge, published An Open Letter to Christians in America last week. His words resonated with me. With his permission, I will share a summary of his thoughts here.

God’s agenda and purposes are not reduced to our battles or limited perspective on how things should progress, no matter how righteous we deem them to be. Personal submission to Almighty God and reverent worship of Him are our first priority. Outcomes are to be left to His sovereign purposes after we have done all that we are called to do.

The Lord has used all kinds of leaders, with all kinds of backgrounds, with all kinds of foibles to orchestrate and fulfill His sovereign purposes in world history. Today is no exception. Scripture makes it clear that some leaders are chosen by God to deliver His people, while others have been appointed to judge them. God uses faithful followers as well as pagan leaders to accomplish His purposes.

This world is not heaven, so we should not expect that following Jesus will be easy or without suffering and persecution. In like manner, the United States is not the kingdom of God. It is a country that God has chosen to bless greatly in the past because His Name and Word were honored. That is no longer the case. We now live in a post-Christian nation and must adjust our expectations and assignment from the Lord accordingly.

Finally, we must remember that God’s people are the light of the world. Light shines brightest in the darkness. We can make a case that God’s purposes seem to thrive when life is most difficult for His people. The early Church was birthed at a time of political upheaval, injustice, and brutality, especially against Christians. We were chosen for this time in history to make a difference for Christ. We need to pray, fast, and vote as God leads, and prepare to be an example of Christlikeness in word and deed to everyone regardless of who wins.

See you Sunday! Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour! ~ John