“What’s one thing you can’t live without?”
The answer to that question would be multiple things if I actually took a poll with real live people. But I don’t have that luxury. Practically, I’m not one to set aside a good chunk of time to be out and about asking people in our community to respond to the query. But, because this is my column, my own words will be posted to my blog site and social media as I pen words to my thoughts. My answer and encouragement for all of you following me is: Jesus.
Now I could leave this opening paragraph right where it is, at the top of my thoughts on the page. Send it off and walk away on other tasks for the day. But, I won’t and I can’t. Waking today and seeing how leadership in our nation has been flipped has caused me to do a deeper dive into my convictions, my belief system, where I place my trust, and facing the challenge of “responding vs. reacting”. I certainly have my opinions regarding how today and our future looks today compared to yesterday’s headlines. Thankfully, even though I live in secular influences, the reality and truth of placing my hope in God and His Son Jesus Christ outweigh any heaviness I feel today. It’s not that a particular “party” dominated; it’s some of the messages. And, sadly, in the midst of all the messages we’ve been hammered with, it appears that Judeo Christian values and ethics are quickly eroding from the ethics of governing. Along with that erosion is seeing how the Christian church in America is shifting. There’s also indication that while the decline of those who call themselves Christian is slowing, we’re also seeing more men and our Gen Z members returning to church. This gives me hope.
Yesterday the battle for your vote ended. Today marks the beginning of new faces joining the ranks of government in every facet of leadership beginning from local to national level. Acknowledging that reality does not eliminate the bigger battle that continues to wage–the one for every human soul. You see, from the time Satan enticed Eve with a lie, he’s gone after everything and everyone under creation which includes you and me. He’s convinced many people to eat more than a lie represented in an apple; he’s infiltrated all that God declared as “good” upon completion of creation. I dare say that God’s “good” has been watered down to believing that being “good” is enough to gain eternal life with God. Being “good” and rejecting your need for a savior gets you a ticket to eternal separation from God. What are some examples of “good” that people believe that leave out the need for salvation?
- Oh, I give food to my local food pantry
- I volunteer for organizations that help people
- I throw a few dollars here and there to charities, or my church offering basket
- I haven’t stolen anything, cheated on my spouse, broken any laws
- I go to church on Christmas and Easter
- I read my Bible but I don’t like some of the verses so I ignore those
- I’m nice to people, I’ve never abused anyone
- Our trite list of “good” could be quite extensive….
When our lives come to an end God won’t be looking over your resume of accomplishments. He will be doing a heart check. He will be asking “What did you do with my Son Jesus? Did you reject or receive His sacrificial death as payment for your debt of sin? Did you ever have a moment acknowledging your sinful desires and a need for a saviour?”
When Jesus was facing Pilate, the Roman ruler asked the question: “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” It’s a question that has been echoing for over 2,000 years. It’s a question that exposes living in pride vs. humility. It’s a question not to take lightly because at the end of our lives God has only concern. I said it before. I’ll say it again.
What are you doing with His Son Jesus Christ?
I leave you with Paul’s words written to the Romans: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect”. (Romans 12: 2 New Living Translation)
Today, with great rejoicing I can still declare to the changes happening in America and our world that Christ is STILL on the throne! And He’s patiently waiting for more redeemed souls to be added to His kingdom. That’s the kind of community work I can get behind!
“It’s not time to be silent. Don’t you dare hide your light. There’s a world outside your window so don’t let it pass you by…..” (lyrics from Hillsong “World Outside Your Window)
