Who do we believe in?
A few weeks ago, our pastor preached a sermon on believing in God from a distance. I took lots of notes and have reflected on it for the past few weeks.
When most Americans are asked if they believe in God, they will say yes. What would you say if I asked you that question? My pastor’s next question to us was: “What are you going to do about it?”
If we call ourselves believers, how do we reflect that belief back into our world?
My pastor went on to ask questions like, “Do we treat God as just another voice as we live our lives?” “Do we consult Him along with a dozen other advisers?” “Do we seek Him first?” “Do we choose to believe from a distance?”
Although the name Emmanuel means, “God with us,” Jesus has never been one who will claim us against our will. On the contrary, if we refuse to worship God first, He will withdraw from us. The consequences become our own.
Like the people of the Bible, before us, we have a tendency to wander and we have a tendency to turn to idols. It seems to me that our latest American election has become an idol for many of us.
Whether it’s the people marching in the streets in protest, or the people gloating on social media every five seconds that Trump won, when something takes our focus off of God and becomes an obsession, it becomes an idol.
We have an American election every four years. We have for hundreds of years. God was in control when Washington was the first president and God was in control when Trump was inaugurated last Friday.
As Christ followers, we should know that. Have we somehow forgotten? Why are we still talking about an election? It has never been nor never will be a man or woman, who can turn our country around.
Our founding fathers were men of faith. As a nation, we have historically been a people of faith. At one point it permeated everything we did, from the presidency, to the Congress, to the Supreme Court, to the military. We used to pray at school. We used to pray at meals.
The Bible says, ” If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Perhaps it’s time to close the book on the last election. If it is constantly in our thoughts, perhaps it’s time to re-focus. If it is constantly on our social media, perhaps it’s time to put that down too. The answer to our questions today is the same as it always has been.
The answer is Jesus. If we are walking closely with Him, there’s no room in our hearts for all of the hate and chaos going on, but then again, we know where that comes from.
A sermon and an election reminded me. Perhaps you needed reminding too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂