Right, Left and UP

News flash, COVID-19 has become a political topic, used to make points, leverage arguments and get votes. How sad!

This is disappointing as elected officials seek to point fingers and argue, while people are hurting, afraid and unsure of what’s next. It seems state to state we have a vast divide of leadership opinions and actions as we navigate the reopening of our Nation. Some want strict lockdown rules, while others are opening things up. In the middle of this, is a growing divide of political parties that can make even families not like each other anymore.

There’s no doubt the ability to agree-to-disagree is quickly eroding and the idea of respecting different ideals is gone. This has ignited radical positions that have no time for conversation or to listen with an open mind.

But, we have another option!

While we are being propositioned to vote right or left, we can look UP and have ALL we need!

Politics are a part of our country and it’s not going away. It’s good to vote, we all should and it’s Godly to pray for our leaders. All of this is important to God because we see in Proverbs 14:34 His heart for nations, “Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”

So our participation in the political process is needed, as God wants to bless Nations as they follow Him.

However, when we put our trust and energy in politics more than in Christ, we have a problem. In fact, when we’re more passionate about our political party than we are Jesus and His church, we have a problem. When we’re more inclined to argue with strangers, friends and family our political views but not share the love of Jesus with them, we have a problem.

Notice, it’s easy to get worked up about the right or the left. We can be quick to defend or argue their positions with vigor, and then be silent about the saving grace of Jesus!

We must remember that policies are temporary but our position with God is eternal, whether you serve Him or not. The greatest kingdom and the greatest nation is the one Jesus is leading, because it’s forever and His justice and righteousness has no end.

This is who we are based on 1 Peter 2:9-10 (MSG version),

“But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference He made for you from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.”

1 Peter 2:9-10

Notice, we’re called to do His work and to tell others the night-and-day difference He’s done in us! This is our greatest mandate! This is our greatest calling! This is who we are!

Furthermore, our passion, our love and our hearts are to be filled with Him, so we shine bright in our world. This is why at City, people vote completely different but yet come together because Jesus unites all people. He’s the bridge that heals racism, gender bias, economic status, right or left voters and saves sinners.

Yes, Jesus is the answer for the world today!

This message isn’t new and it hasn’t changed. Right now, He’s what we need and He’s who we need!

But how does He come?

Great question. He comes through us! In our verses it says, “we are God’s instruments to do His work and to speak out for Him.” This is why it’s not just right or left, it’s UP! It’s Jesus!

So while we have our political positions, we must know our position in Christ! While

we have our political identity with policies, we must know our identity in Christ!

Through Jesus is who we are. Through Jesus is what we can be. Through Jesus is what we can do and through Jesus is how we have eternal life!

How do you vote today?

Is it right or left? Whatever your answer, are you reaching UP? Are you staying focused on the main thing, who has the power to change everything?

Right now this is our challenge and I encourage you, don’t be swayed by political pundits. Don’t get pulled into the vortex of political drama. Stay above it and stay ahead of it by voting for your convictions but looking UP for your savior!

Jesus is greater than it all because He died for ALL! That means the Democrats, Republicans, white, black, hispanic, asian and more, need Jesus, period!

So what are we giving to others? What are we giving to those who vote different and look different?

I hope it’s Jesus, because it must be Jesus!

Remember, at the end of our lives, it will not matter how we voted, but rather it will matter who we served.

Let Jesus have you! In this climate, we need Jesus more than ever and while others only see right or left, we can reach UP and show them something more; Jesus!

Have a great day and may the LORD bless you greatly.

We love you,

PD