There are so many things going on in the world as well as the United States, and we probably all have opinions on most of the events. AT A TIME SUCH AS THIS…..what do we do?
When we have a heart’s desire to build the Kingdom of God on earth–when we want everyone to have the opportunity to know Jesus personally–when we love people and want the best for them–just what do we do?
When we state what we believe and stand our ground, too often it comes across as judgment. In other words, we are right and you are wrong, scenario. But does that really bring Life? Can the Truth flourish in an atmosphere of condemnation? My Bible says, “It is the goodness of God that brings men to repentance.” (Romans 2:4)
One of my favorite Pastors says, “I don’t enter any battles I have no opportunity to change.” And, I think that is what I am saying to myself these days, “Choose your battles carefully, Carol, that you do not strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.”
There are times when we must stand for Jesus and what we believe…..and I certainly pray I will be embolden when that happens. However, there is a strong group–that I follow–in the Church who are saying we must (as Jesus directed in Matthew) to teach all Nations about the Kingdom of God. That we must have an influence in media, government, the market, education, entertainment, the arts, family and so on.
We will definitely not make friends and influence people with attitudes of superiority, and hearts filled with judgment about how wrong our associates may be. To even enter those fields we must be well equipped and ready to be the absolute best….for whatever is required. Then we need to soak in the Love and Grace of God until it permeates our being and our hearts are filled with a desire to bless and care about everyone we meet.
Do we really trust the Holy Spirit? Do we know that our part is to set an example, pray for others and trust Him to work? Or do we think it is totally up to us to confront with what we know to be the truth, and people will change? In 23 years of ministry I have not found that to work. However, loving and caring with mercy and compassion, is overwhelming to even the nastiest of demons–their power pales under that kind of influence.
Carrie Prejean, Miss California, stood for what she believes and lost the crown for Miss USA. She was put in a no-win situation by the question given her. The Holy Spirit was there for her and has provided the help she has needed through the hours and days that followed.
Ten or twelve years ago I was blessed to meet two great women of God, who were at the time living in Israel. They worked in the community and never talked about Jesus openly, but prayed at night, for those who crossed their path during the day. They learned as time went on, that Jesus was going personally to those individuals and they were accepting Him as their Messiah. And to this day, my heart cries out that we would have that kind of faith for the Lord do His part when we do ours! He is sooooo good at what He does and it is His plan after all.
If I love my neighbor as myself……how would I like Jesus presented to me ?
This is such a dazzling age. Information and knowledge abounds everywhere. But love? It seems scarce and many are searching for it in all the wrong places. I do not mean sentimental love….I mean the kind of love that truly cares about others and their welfare. Jesus spent a great deal of time with those the Bible calls ‘sinners’ ….must be a clue there, for us! May we move, not in self-righteousness, but in the righteousness of Christ to move the Kingdom beyond our doors, for the King of all kings, our Jesus!
Pressing in and pressing on….
P S If you would like hear Carrie’s testimony at her church, click here