Just a few minutes ago, (June 28) the United States Supreme Court handed down a ruling that was sure to set people off, no matter how that 9-person high court ruled. Of course, the court upheld the so-called “Obama-care” legislation by a 5-4 margin.
In our digital age, it came as no surprise that Twitter, Facebook, and other sites exploded immediately. People were sharing links, giving their opinions, and … well … some were doing far worse.
This post is not about the health care ruling. I have my opinions on the matter, and I do care about our country. I like politics, and I vote (and I’d like to think I do so as an informed citizen). I want this to be a strong nation, and I believe government and politics have a large part in that.
But this post is about how we need to handle it when the government does something we disagree with. As the ruling came down, I saw Christians explode with venom toward the President, the Court, Congress, and others. I don’t think all of it was meant to be cruel, but some of it certainly came off that way. Anytime a ruling on any matter that approaches this magnitude comes across, this is true…
…and I hate to see it.
Brothers and sisters, we need to remember our purpose here on the earth.
We are put on this earth to glorify God. Period. End of sentence.
No government can change that. No politician or court ruling can change that. No party, affiliation, or movement can change that.
So, when the government–at any level or in any form–does something you strongly disagree with, what should we do?
- Remember that God is still on His throne. He is greater and higher than any court or leader, and He is still in control.
- Pray for our leaders. I think that should be especially true for those with whom you disagree. Remember, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He directs it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1).
- Honor our leaders. Yes, sometimes leaders make decisions I disagree with–and sometimes I disagree very strongly. But they are still our leaders. Early Christians faced an empire that sought to destroy them, and they were still told to “honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). You can disagree, but avoid being disagreeable.
- Speak facts. Enter into the discussion, but always be honest with the facts in the discussion. Of course, many of these things deal with “heart matters,” too, but we need to be sure that when we speak in matters of fact, that we remain firmly honest.
- Get involved honorably. We have a great system of government that allows us to vote, support candidates, or even run for office. Please do not get angry about decisions of the government if you are not at least voting! Also, you can contact your leaders, but, again, do so with kindness and facts.
- Never put our nation in heaven’s rightful place. I want America to be great. I love this nation, and I pray often for our future. But we need to remember that this world really is not our home. Never put a nation above that heavenly land.
- Remember that you will be judged by “every” thought, word, and action. Yes, even in a heated moment. Yes, even if you disagree. Yes, even if you think something will bring down our nation. God will bring it all into judgment, and we are accountable for not only what we believe (which should match up with God’s Word), but how we express that (which must match up as well), whether in spoken words or in what we post on Twitter and Facebook.
———————————
QUESTION: Agree or disagree?
