If you consider yourself a Christian, this is for you! If you do not consider yourself a Christian-maybe you’re still searching-then this post doesn’t really apply, but know Jesus loves you! He came to set every one us free from our brokenness- our sin (John 3:16-18). He wants us to move from the kingdom of darkness (we were born into) into the kingdom of God. I know it sounds crazy, but it doesn’t change the fact it’s true. Jesus Christ came to give us life more abundantly! (His words not mine-see it in the Bible- John 10:10).
Christian friend, let’s pickup here! Can I just say, I’m dreading election season? It’s already amping up, and it looks like it’s going to be a doozie. The craziest thing is, Christians can be just as guilty of freaking out, even calling people names and thinking the world is over as we know it. Why? What in the world are we thinking? We know Who is in charge. I’m thinking that we are aren’t really thinking if that is our reaction. I’ve compiled a list of some of God’s ideas for us to be a powerful, joyful, compassionate witness this election season and always.
If we’re fighting a spiritual battle (which we are), we will only be victorious when using spiritual weapons to engage in the battle. “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)” 2 Corinthians 10:4
I’m dying for revival and a harvest of souls for the kingdom of God, but something tells me we are often going about it the wrong way. Phillip’s message on Sunday was about how desperately our nation needs a revival among God’s people. (You can even listen to the message here.) https://m.soundcloud.com/crosspointla/plugged-in-revival? If we REALLY want to follow God’s recipe for revival and see change in the world, here’s where it’s at. I personally feel these are all equally important so I’m not numbering them.😉
Be kind- to everyone. Period. Being kind doesn’t mean that you have to agree. It simply means you’re doing good to someone else in Jesus’ name. “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10
Love, love, love. Don’t worry. Loving someone doesn’t mean we approve of sin. Jesus was well aware that the world was sinful and that they wouldn’t be His biggest fan. He also said they would hate His followers too. He didn’t say that was an excuse to treat people badly. Instead He said, “These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” John 15:17-18
Pray. I feel like everywhere I turn, God is reminding me the best use of my time is to pray. “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Repent. We are often filled with so much pride. We forget that our sin stinks too. We respond in pride to the pride in others. “Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalms 51:2-3, 10
Weep. Be tough on your own sin, and weep over others’ sin. Are you ready to have a heartfelt cry over the brokenness of others? Do you have compassion on them? “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14 “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Psalms 126:5 Quote: There can be no revival when Mr. Amen and Mr. Wet-Eyes are not found in the audience. - Charles Finney
If we are Christians, let’s not make Jesus look bad. Pray fervently for revival to start in you personally, and it will encourage other Christians to do the same. Here’s another idea. Get to know someone with different viewpoints than you, and pray you can have an impact on their life in a meaningful Christ-centered way. If we do this, I believe it will result in the most amazing thing that could possibly happen this election season- lives transformed by Jesus!
