That purportedly is an ancient Chinese curse; (most think it was spoken by a member of the British Parliament). Yet we understand the feeling and meaning of the saying.
In this political season, the rancor runs so deep and is so pernicious it is hard to not class these as ‘interesting times’. Most of us want to live in peace, in our homes, in our towns or cities, in our state and nation.
As Christians we must be careful to not place politics above our faith and hope in Christ. The political ads are so vile! Whichever candidate is advertising, the opponent will be ‘the end of the world as we know it’. We are deluged with hate - every commercial break! It is too easy to get sucked into the echo chamber.
Whoever wins - whether it’s your candidate or not - will be a challenge for Christians. The recent series of messages from our pastor, titled “American Idols”, remind us that whoever is elected - Republican or Democrat - the ultimate authority for our lives is Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. The challenge for believers is that we do not fix our hopes on either, or any, candidate to make the world right. All of our leaders are merely human, and susceptible to human foibles and sin.
If ‘your’ candidate wins the presidency, you may be elated and believe that all will be well. Do not get too excited if your favorite wins the election. We cannot let ourselves get complacent because ‘We won!’ There are millions of people out there who have not heard the Good News. They do not know that Jesus came to save them and remove their sin. If your candidate wins, it is time to renew your efforts to bring others to Jesus Christ so they can know His peace, and receive His forgiveness. See: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27) Peace and quiet in the land means that we must be more willing to share the Good News, because people will not necessarily see the need for salvation. They have everything they want - so, who needs Jesus? Who needs forgiveness?
We all need Jesus - everyone, everywhere needs Jesus. (See: John 14:6) And the promise for peace is for the here and now. It is yours if you would believe and accept Jesus Christ.
If ‘your’ candidate did not win, do not fear - there is no reason for gloom and despair!. Now is the time for you to turn to the Lord, seek His guidance and strength. You will be able to demonstrate that it is the Lord who is in control of your life, not the national government. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. Be ready to face persecution - because you believe in Jesus! Paul stated, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.” (Col 1:24) He knew from experience that if he was living for the Lord Jesus Christ there would be people angry and out to get him. He had done that very thing before he believed and accepted Christ as Savior! It is Christ, living in you, who is the hope of glory. Not your glory, but His and His alone! That is the Good News - God in your heart and mind, right now, not in the distant future.
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