In the twilight of this age, a veil of deception seems to fall over many hearts and minds. As prophesied in Scripture, people increasingly turn away from truth, preferring to embrace comforting falsehoods that align with their desires. This spiritual blindness isn't merely a matter of ignorance but often a willful rejection of God's truth.
Like moths drawn to a flame, many are enticed by false teachings and hollow philosophies that promise freedom but lead to bondage. In this climate of confusion, discernment becomes rare and precious. Those who cling to biblical truth may be misunderstood or marginalized, yet their unwavering faith serves as a beacon in the growing darkness.
As the Day approaches, this blindness to truth underscores the urgent need for believers to stand firm, proclaim the gospel lovingly, and shine Christ's light in a world that desperately needs His transforming truth.
Imagine two neighboring houses, each proudly displaying opposing political yard signs. From the outside, these signs proclaim allegiances and draw clear battle lines. But what happens behind closed doors? Are the inhabitants harboring bitterness or praying for those with whom they disagree? The true measure of our faith isn't found in our public declarations but in our private thoughts and actions.
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
Consider the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42). In a time of deep political and cultural division between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus broke societal norms to engage in meaningful dialogue. His actions remind us that our calling transcends political boundaries.
In this charged atmosphere, we often find ourselves at a crossroads. Do we choose the path of the carnal Christian, allowing our political identity to overshadow our identity in Christ? Or do we embrace spiritual maturity, seeing those across the aisle as fellow image-bearers of God, deserving of love and respect regardless of their views?
The journey from a politically driven faith to a Christ-centered one isn't accomplished through our willpower. It's a transformation that only the Holy Spirit can bring about. Like a skilled mediator bringing opposing parties together, God works to reconcile us to Himself and one another.
How do we open ourselves to this growth? It starts with humility and a willingness to examine our hearts. We must approach God with open minds and teachable spirits. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture and pray, we begin to see political issues through the lens of God's kingdom rather than earthly kingdoms.
Remember that God's love isn't reserved for those who vote like us or share our political ideology. His passion extends to all, transcending party lines and national borders. When we truly grasp this, it frees us to engage in political discourse not to win arguments but to demonstrate Christ's love.
Let us pray for wisdom and discernment in these divisive times. Ask for the courage to stand firm in our convictions while extending grace to those who differ. As we do, we'll find that our character – who we are when the news is off and social media is silent – will increasingly reflect the peacemaking spirit of Christ.
Ultimately, our witness in this polarized world isn't primarily about our political stances but about how we love, for it's in those moments when we choose compassion over contempt, dialogue over diatribe, and prayer over political posturing that our faith shines brightest.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander,
along with every form of malice.
Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32
May we be known not by our yard signs or bumper stickers but by our love – a love that reaches across divides, seeks understanding, and points to the One who alone can bring true unity in our fractured world.
Treasure Journaling images from the 30 Days to Renew Your Mind class.
Freebies
Download 5 freebies a day (more if you comment and earn extra points)from Digitalscapbook.com. Here are new freebies I created this week.
