Now What?

Now What?

November 15, 2020

Two weeks ago we talked about the upcoming election. The election is over. All along as I listened to the candidates from various parties and races, I was not sure who to believe. I’m not sure when it will end? Not every one of my candidates won, that’s probably true for most of us.

Part of the beauty of our country is we have the freedom to vote. That’s part of what we were celebrating last week on Veteran’s Day! We appreciate those who have defended our freedoms and we honor them! We don’t want those freedoms taken away or to have the perception they will be taken away. For those who have served or are serving, we thank you.

Most of us would say we love our country, yet our allegiance, must start with Jesus Christ!

Two weeks ago, we looked at the words of Jesus from the gospel of John. Remember these words from Jesus, when He said - -

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Then in John 17, in His final prayer, Jesus prayed --

22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,

23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

So, why am I repeating myself? Because this really needs to be repeated over and over and over. It’s that important - and it must start with you and I.

People will take notice when they see you and I loving one another in a sacrificial manner. They will realize, slowly, that when we are ONE, the world will come to know that the Father sent the Son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world would be saved through Him. Jesus tells us in John 3:17

This must start with those who call themselves Christ followers.

BUT - - - there always has to be a but! Here’s the issue, as I see it.

How can I expect a non believer in Jesus to act like they are a believer in Jesus?

I can’t expect that! It’s hard enough for Christ followers to behave like they believe in Jesus. That’s why the call for us to follow Jesus, especially in the world we live in is so difficult and filled with hatred. People are not only angry, they are filled with hate.

This is a FB post from a relative of mine. This is what she wrote - “Don’t take this personally or do. There are 4900+ “friends” on my page. If you voted Biden say so. If not unfriend me. Love you all!”

I really wanted to respond privately, that no matter who I voted for, especially, if I didn’t vote for your candidate, don’t you want a conversation so that we can better understand one another? Don’t you want to be challenged and don’t you want to challenge me? Help me to better understand what and why you believe as you do? I’ve seen posts like that from nonbelievers and believers.

But nope! We don’t want that! We are filled with rage, anger, and malice. We tell people to boycott stores if they don’t vote our way.

I’ve seen people tell others to stop defending their choice because they don’t want to hear it. I truly believe we need to hear both sides so we can learn and grow.

I’ve seen some pretty ugly comments by Christians! People who have said things that shock me! All because they see the world differently. Do we really believe you’re going to change their mind with sarcasm and anger?!

The struggle is that not everyone abides by the golden rule -

DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU

It’s pretty simple, but we don’t abide by that. I’ve said it before, and it’s a pretty silly pet peeve of mine. If I let you go in front of me, either while driving or walking, acknowledge that I’ve done it. Wave your hand, say thanks - - whatever it is, show a little kindness back! Am I the only one that bugs!? I just had to get that off my chest. I do feel better!! :)

OK, now as we move forward, we can see that Jesus was asked what’s the greatest commandment - In Mark 12, Jesus said –

29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.