What can Christians (And non-Christians) do About Politics?

Between the recent Supreme Court decision and the apparent upcoming Executive Order for employers to stop discriminating against the LGBT community, a Christian might be thinking that the government is sending mixed opinions. Some see one as a win and the other as a loss. Some see both as neutral. Some have strong voices on either side. I'm not here today to debate those issues.

The issue is a larger one. If Christians believe that our country was founded upon Christian/Bible principles and if we believe that our nation/government is moving away from Christian/Bible principles, then this leads to several questions.

1) Regarding those who oppose Christian/Bible principles, how did they get our country so turned around to their views?
Well, they talked about their views with many people. They made sure they taught their family and friends about their views. They marched and held rallies. They got involved with politics in an attempt to pass laws and legislation for their views.

2) Have Christians truly done these things regarding our views/religion?
No. We back down. We talk about it with those of like faith, but we don't try to proselytize and teach non-Christians our views. (Yes, we have many who will Bible-bash about their views, but not many who truly debate, teach and share.)

3) What can we do about politics?
We can pray for wisdom for our leaders. We can pray for their salvation.
We can also get involved. That means more than just voting for the president. That means voting on all votes. That means contacting your congressmen about issues. Get involved. Speak up.

4) Why are we letting the government teach us and our families against the Christian/Bible principles we value?
Those with opposing views taught their views to their families when they were in the minority. Even in the Bible days, ethics and morals were taught at home. As Christians, let's teach our children our Christian/Bible principles, even if those Christian/Bible principles are now in the minority.

What am I getting at?
If you don't vote at the presidential elections, then how can you complain about whatever president we have?
If you don't get involved in politics and let your voice be heard, then how can you complain that those who hold opposing views are getting legislature in their favor?

Finishing strong: Parts 7-10 of 10

It was my hope to continue this series for all 10 points; however, it seems that time is not allowing me. Below are the rest of the points, as shown on thomrainer.com:

7.  Are you exhibiting the work of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:19-23)? Here, allow the Word to guide your self-evaluation: “Now the works of the flesh are obvious:sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy,drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. . . . But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,gentleness, self-control.” Which traits most characterize your life today?

8. Who is walking more with God because of your influence this year? That is, are you making disciples? Have you purposefully pointed away from self to direct others to follow the Son of God (John 1:29)? Or, to ask the question in the negative, is there anyone who walks less with God today because of your example and influence this year?

9. What steps have you taken to spread the gospel to the nations? The Great Commission is a global calling (Matt. 28:18-20), even for those not called to go to the nations full-time. Have you intentionally studied about God’s work around the world this year? Are you praying for missionaries by name? Are you fully open to taking a mission trip this year or next?

10. How would your family assess you as a family member and a believer this year?  Those who live with us are most equipped to evaluate our spiritual walk. If I were to ask your family about your walk with God, what would they say? Would they say your life – all of it, including behind the scenes – models Christ? If not, decide today what steps you will take the next six months.

Are ya going to church? (part 6 or 10 of the mid-year checkup)

There's the question: Are you going to church? 

No, I don't mean going to church like you would go to the doctor (1x a year, or if you have a problem). I mean are you going to church like you would to your favorite restaurant (at least 1x a week) or like you watch your favorite channel (a couple times a week).

Thomrainer.com lists the question as:

Are you serving faithfully in a local church? The church is much more than a place to attend; it is a family that loves us and provokes us to good works (Heb. 10:24). Through the first half of 2014, have you used your spiritual gifts as a member of a local body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:1-11, 1 Pet. 4:10)? Are you supporting His work financially? Commit today to invest yourself in God’s church throughout the rest of 2014.

If you are a Christian, what is holding you back from going to church?

If you are a Christian, God has a place for you in the church. 

And, no, it's not just to warm the pew. It may be to serve as a greeter, to take up the offering, to serve on a committee, or any number of things. You might be thinking, "yeah, but Mr. So-and-so always does everything, there's nothing for me to do." Perhaps Mr. So-and-so does everything because others are not coming out and serving in those positions. Perhaps he is doing everything because someone has to do it. Perhaps you can ask him what you can do to take alittle of the burden off of him. Perhaps God will use it as a way to show you where you are needed in the church.

They say that 20%  of the church does 80% of the work. Unfortunately, most of that is out of necessity. 

Come out and be a part! Support the work of the church in every way you can! Let's serve God together!

Another mid-year checkup (5 or 10): Memory?

So far we've looked at Bible reading, prayer, Evangelizing, and sin. Now on to another checkup for the middle of the year. How are you doing with Scripture memorization? Even though we have Bibles on our smartphones and tablets, that doesn't mean that we will use them when we are in a situation, we should have God's word memorized.

The post from Thomrainer.com goes as follows:

What scriptures have you memorized this year? Do you echo the desire of the psalmist: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You” (Psalm 19:14)? Based on your memorization of God’s Word this year, would I conclude that you treasure God’s Word in your heart (Psalm 119:9-11)?

Scripture memory is a tough one for many of us.

Why not commit to memorizing 1 verse by the end of the year? Why not start by writing that verse out and placing it where you will see it every day (like the bathroom mirror)? I like the concept that Word of Life does, where they have scripture on business cards for you to memorize.

Although memorization is tough for many of us, it's another thing we should commit to doing.

Mid-year check-up, 4 of 10: Sin?

This list is going from the easy (reading your Bible and praying) to the more difficult (evangelism). Today is no different. The fourth one on the list on Thomrainer.com deals with sin. It says:

Are you faithfully fighting sin in your life? Be honest – have you experienced victory over sin this year? Is there a sin that continually haunts you even though you’ve sought to overcome it? If so, what steps do you still need to take this year? Confess that sin to someone? Seek accountability? Simply repent?

Think about that for a moment. We all accidentally sin every day, and hopefully we confess that as soon as we can. But what about our "pet" sins?

What ongoing sin or sins came to mind in January? What sins did you tell God that you want Him to help you get rid of this year? How is that going? God doesn't let us down, but we have to be willing to do our part too and stop running after that sin.

Did you just flippantly ask God to help you get rid of that sin?
Or did you come up with a game plan to quit that sin?
What steps are needed to free yourself from that sin? Do 1 step each day toward freeing yourself from that sin. Ask God to help you each step of the way. Share the steps with an accountability partner - someone who will help you accomplish the steps and will bug you until you do them.