TIME TO GET QUIET

    We are living through one of the most remarkable periods of life in our generation. You can look at the positive side or negative side - either way change is coming. Too many people are voicing their displeasure with this time of transition we are going through, First, we can certainly see that our nation(s) is filled with governmental turmoil because of the shift. However, what is disturbing is the Body of Christ's response to it. Have we forgotten: (1)  I Timothy 2:1-3 "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for kings and all those in authority— so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity?" Or (2) II Peter 2:9-10 "The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations  - those who walk according to the flesh-  and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil off dignities." Or have we forgotten (3) Exodus 22:28 "You shall not revile God, nor CURSE A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE." Its That plain and simple.

Here are promises that the scripture promises that when we pray for those in authority "we will live a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (I Tim. 2:3)  Exodus 14:14 " The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 That we should study to be quiet.  Lamentations 3:26 says, "It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Amos 5:13 says, "Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time." Isaiah 30:15 For thus said the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. But, you would not.  There are consequences when we speak against those in authority.

Romans 13:1-2 states, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment." The most important thing for all believers to remember is that God has set up the type of government over us that we need and/or deserve.  Our job is not to speak evil of those appointed or elected but to pray for them.  Do we believe that God can still change the hearts of those in authority over us? Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” Just remember God is God and we're not. Nor, have we been chosen to be in authority beyond what God has appointed us to do. So, instead of railing against authority we need to sit down and be quiet.  We need to listen, hear, and discern what the voice of the Lord is saying - as our thoughts are aligned with the "Word Of God."  God does nothing contrary to scripture. Do we still trust God to align the nation(s) with his purpose for them?

Even if we disagree with the direction our government is going - Prayer can and will change things. This does not exempt us from participating in our own democratic republic whether what party we choose to identify with or   non-affiliation. But, the concern I have is that there are those in the body of Christ who will say unkind things, demean, and even defile others because someone may have a different view than we share.  Aligning ourselves with the above scriptures is a command for those who name Jesus as their savior. Acts 23:4-5 gives us an example that we need to note. "But those standing nearby said, “How dare you insult the high priest of God!” “Brothers,” Paul replied, “ I was not awarethat he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘ Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’” I think these words from the Apostle Paul make it clear how we should handle ourselves in regards to rulers.  To engage in insulting a leader is not acceptable. Paul also understood which party he belonged to. We can disagree with laws and administrative policies implemented by our government - and we can work to change them. However, we need to refrain from being divisive and playing into any media likewise that chooses to sow seeds of offense .

In my own personal view, I believe that God is calling the Body of Christ to take this time to settle down, be quiet and listen, learn, converse, and discern together what the Lord is doing to advance his work of transformation in our own lives, our faith communities, and culture. However, let me be clear, none of us have anything to say if we have not addressed our own personal transformation. Community transformation can only happen when personal transformation happens first. This begins by aligning ourselves with what God says in his word and bringing our self-life to death. Ephesians 4:22-24 says it best: "Put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."