Our Relation To Politics(Faith Home Bulletin, Sep. 1964, A Pilgrim Here Below) “I exhort, therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.” 1 Timothy 2:1-3 Jesus clearly declared, “They are not of this world, even as I am not of this world,” John 17. We are NOT OF THIS WORLD. It is the truth of God. It is His Word. It is the Will of God concerning you. If you are living close to Jesus; and breathing the breath of the prayer of His Love; then it will be beautiful and easy for you, as the Holy Spirit moves your heart in that Will. You will welcome, as the Word of Salvation, the Word so clearly stating what your attitude is toward the politics of the world and of our nation. The apostle Paul exhorts, by the Spirit of God, to do a specific thing concerning all in authority, for kings, and for all men. This includes a wide range of those who lead and who govern. The exhortation is not a vague effort to get you to take sides in a controversial spirit. What Paul says is much like the word which Jesus spoke, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.” This is not a vague, indecisive, do nothing, failure to participate. It is positive, direct, right to the point. It carries obligation to the hearer. The exhortation, and Word of God’s Will is NOT to parade, and wave banners, and blow trumpets, and yell, and get all heated up in a strife of tongues, and in the spirit of controversy. It is distinctly NOT to be worldly minded, or worldly acting. The Word is NOT and exhortation to do like the world does, nor enter the world’s enthusiasms. But very definite things are stated as being God’s Will. He clearly makes known His Will. You ARE TO DO CERTAIN THINGS about the nation’s politics. According to the Scriptures your community and commonwealth is IN HEAVEN. Your “HOME” is in Heaven. You do not BELONG to this world. But you are IN this world. Being a member of a Heavenly Commonwealth, what shall you do in the world where your pathway, at present, lies? How will you adjust yourself to the political situations that arise frequently? You will follow the instructions of the Lord and Governor of your heavenly kingdom. And it is important that you do what He says—particularly important, “For the earth IS THE LORD’S.” Even a group as inconsiderable as our own church might seem to be, can have a vast power in this world, IF WE OBEY THE CLEAR WORD OF GOD. That word defines your position and attitude. God wills that you make supplication; that you pray; that you intercede; that you give thanks. If you are in touch with Jesus, that is what you will do concerning the coming elections, and concerning all elections: “First of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” Study those verses on your knees, “BEFORE THE LORD.” Walk with your God. And what result, particularly, should we look for and aim at? WHOM should we seek to be elected? What choice do we desire? To those who have surrendered, and resigned, their lives and their wills to God, there is but one choice, GOD’S CHOICE. The true PRAY-ER wants that, seeks that, and finds faith-rest, in GOD’S CHOICE, always. Your prayer counts infinitely more than your vote. -Our Lord is Coming Alumnus WeddingWe celebrate with joy the union of Anthony Townley and Sophia that took place in Myanmar on May 20th. Please keep them in your prayers as they minister together in Sophia’s homeland. We are so grateful for all of you, your prayers and support! Every blessing,
Elizabeth Metz Elizabeth Metz on behalf of the Evergreen Center Staff
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