When it comes to leaders, there's only One who can truly live up to the hype
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"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord." - Jeremiah 17:7
Informed but not Immersed
As another election season is upon us in the United States (love and respect to our readers from other countries), it is a great time to remember the difference between being informed about politics versus being immersed in them.
For citizens of a democratic nation, it is vital that we be informed about the issues of the day and the candidates running for office. After all, rights and privileges come with responsibilities and one of those responsbilities is to be informed about who's who and what's what.
But if we're not careful, we can take it beyond being informed and find ourselves immersed in the muck and mire of political theatre. Isn't it uncanny how the drama just has a way of sucking you in? Before you know it, you are tracking political news like your life depends on it.
But does it? Does your life depend on what happens in this election cycle?
Ministers, not Messiahs
Clearly, our lives are impacted by politics and government. This is exactly why Paul exhorts us in 1 Timothy to pray for our public servants, because the quality of our lives will have much to do with the quality of their leadership.
By the way, prayer was the only thing a first century Christian could do to effect change in government. They lived in an empire - not a democracy - so, unlike us, they did not have the opportunity to vote. They were stuck with whoever was in power.
But it is good to be reminded that ultimately, our salvation and wellbeing does not depend on governmental leaders. It depends on Jesus. Our public officials from top to bottom are ministers (servants), nothing more. Jesus is the one and only Messiah. Our ultimate hopes, dreams, and desires are tethered to him.
Empires have come and gone. Governments rise and fall. In the end, everyone, including kings and presidents, will bow to Jesus.
As we monitor our local, national, and international political scenes, may we be reminded that our help and our hope is not in a politician, a party, an alliance, or an administration. Our help and our hope is in Jesus, the one who died for our sins, rose again, and abides with us by His Spirit. He promised to one day sort this whole mess out and make things right again.
In the meantime, we'd better keep praying.
It's a new day with God. Run with it.
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