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Stand on truth, not bickering [UPDATED]
Published 10:07am Monday, October 1, 2012 Updated 12:08pm Monday, October 1, 2012
It’s only a few weeks until residents of the United States elect their president for the next four years. Every day on television we hear “Why I am best for the job, and my opponent is not.” It seems the negative far outweighs the positive, and the word “politics” has almost become a dirty word.
God ordained government to provide direction for a peaceful society. A place where parents can raise their families and live in the comfort of freedom and protection.
Where churches can freely worship and reach out to share their understanding of the Bible with others. To point out error in what someone else may believe, but not with vicious attacks.
Truth is truth and it is a most powerful force. Present it clearly and it will stand. A two- or three-party system providing such freedom is commendable.
But it appears accusations hurled on both sides have reached the point that, if true, none of the candidates are fit for public office and governmental leadership.
Such attitudes have trickled down to the point that every Tom, Dick and Harry is slinging mud with hateful statements.
It is disheartening to me, and I have stopped listening to most of it. I know who I am going to vote for. And I pray for God’s will to be done.
The worst part is that many who claim to be God-fearing Christians get caught up in the defamatory rhetoric and action. It’s true we are not to sit idly by while unbiblical laws are enacted. Abortion is murder, same-sex marriage has God’s wrath upon it and His judgment will surely come if we do not repent of sin. The marriage of one man to one woman is God’s gift to mankind, not to be deviated from.
My plea today is for Christians to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), not trying to present truth with hateful words or attitudes. When challenging error, there is no need for vicious sarcasm to spice it up.
The Bible clearly teaches Christians how to act and react to whatever form of government they live under.
None of the governments in Bible times were based on God’s directions, yet none of the early apostles tried to destroy them. They simply spent their time proclaiming the person of Christ, willing to suffer when need be.
In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Christians are encouraged to pray for those in authority rather than belittle them with hateful sarcasm. Romans 13:1-7 is helpful for establishing a right attitude.
Give it some thought. Most of all, rest in the truth that God is ruling over all. Sin, both in our personal lives and government, will be dealt with in God’s own timing. Be much in prayer always for the protection of religious freedom. And by all means, vote.
Paul Twist
Henning
I’ve never thought that the separation of church and state was a particularly difficult concept to understand.
Apparently it is the equal of quantum physics, rocket science and string theory all rolled into one for some Christians. I would suggest that Paul Twist pick up a rudimentary history text book, something about the junior high level, and read it. But I’m sure that would be a waste of time.
This brain dead drivel does make one good point – GO VOTE. Why? Because this guy and people like him will be at the polls and it’s imperative they, the unsilent and obnoxious minority, not prevail. The last thing society needs is for misguided minds to be making policy decisions.
Same sex marriage has God’s wrath upon it? Says who? How dare you use the name of God to spread your small minded message of hate and lies. Go wash out your mouth with soap and then go crawl back under your rock, you blasphemer. A thousand rancid diapers baking in a hot desert sun would stink less than this pseudo-moral tirade.
Romans 1: 24-28 , Thats Who says so.
Wow, what a clever retort. I hope you’re enjoying the life of a successful criminal defense attorney with wit and logic like that.
Paul wrote the book of Romans. So I can only surmise that’s who you’re referring to with your very incomplete and thought deficient response.
Paul also advocated slavery and the oppression of women. Do you support those ideas as well or are you just picking and choosing which biblical passages serve your liking, or rather, perhaps your prejudices?
Jerome—you do know Paul was writing to believers who were comingling the message of Christ with the pagan religions from other parts of the world, don’t you? In the passage you listed Paul was talking specifically to those who advocated free, unattached irresponsible, “no consequence love” making. That is not what we are deciding in this election.
How exactly does Romans apply to the issues of today?