Thursday, April 14, 2011

Less Debating, Less Stress, More Gospel!

The Holy Spirit's work and growth in my life, through a deeper knowledge of the gospel, has helped in my stress and wasted breath debating politics.  Number one, I am realizing that my opinion doesn't always have to be heard.  What makes me think that my opinion is so great that everyone needs to hear it.  I have been known as a know-it-all sometimes, especially in debates or discussions in clubhouse and bullpens around the country.  That's not always the best approach.  Trying to prove someone wrong or trying to change someone's viewpoint because you think so highly of your own stance on something can backfire in a lot of situations.  It also is not always shining a humble light on yourself.  So the gospel has shown me that I don't have all the answers to all the personal or political questions of our country.  It has also shown me that I don't HAVE to know it or have an opinion on it.  My worth or identity isn't based on someone else's opinion of me or my ideas.  My worth and justification was purchased by Jesus at the Cross by the Amazing Grace of God.
       Number two, I am realizing that our country is no different than other countries in that it is 100% full of imperfect SINNERS.  The landscape in this country is constantly changing, and in most cases it is for the worst.  Don't get me wrong, I still believe that the United States of America is the best country God ever gave man.  This country has been a Light in an evil world for much of it's young life.  Way more of this light was shone in years past than is being now.  This points to the change for the worst I was talking about.  The Gospel tells us that God uses and changes imperfect men and women for His Glory in His time.  What can we expect from men who aren't led by the Spirit, but are led by the Flesh and their own plans?  I expect problems to arise from that and that is what we are getting.  So my stress level is lowered knowing that is going to happen.  The positive side, The Good News, of the gospel tells us that even though we are sinners God still loves us and has a plan for his people and this earth.  We can put our worries away knowing that in Matthew 28:18 Jesus said, "All authority over Heaven and Earth has been given to Me."  The verse I cling to when I see or hear a Barack Obama speech or a liberal judge try to change the Constitution of the United States, is Romans 13:1.  It 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."  If not for the Truth of the gospel, I would be a mess as a Conservative in this country.  I cling to the fact that God is sovereign over everything, including U.S. politics.  God has shown many many times how He uses bad people and terrible situations for His Glory.  I tell you friends to please pray for our leaders.  Know they are not capable to do "good" without the Holy Spirit.  God will glorify Himself in the USA in His time.  I pray it comes sooner than later.  All Glory to God through Jesus Christ.