For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 HCSB
Today is election day in our parish. For several months now our mailboxes have been filled with fliers from those claiming to be the best candidate for the job. They make promises that we want to hear. Some aren’t even related to their job, but they are hot topics like gun control and being tough on crime, so they say that they will protect our constitutional rights when they don’t even really have a dog in that fight, but it sounds good to those who don’t know any better.
As we view the incumbents and review their records, we are often disappointed. We recall the promises they made when they ran for office and recall how few of these promises were kept. They were just words that looked good on paper, but in reality they fall short of accomplishing these goals.
My husband and I early voted a couple weeks ago, and I did my best to look for candidates that exhibited Christian character. Unfortunately, that is hard to find these days. You have to look between the lies to see what is really going on. We want these people to serve us by sharing the same morals, values, and goals that we have for our parish, our state and our nation. But what we usually find is that they speak out of both sides of their mouths. They promise one thing to one group and another to another group careful to say what we want to hear.
It leaves you hungry for the truth. My friend, thirst and hunger no more, for the truth is found in God’s word. If you are feeling weighted down by the lies you are hearing, know that the truth shall set you free (John 8:32). It really comes down to who you elect to serve. In Joshua 24:15 Joshua said, “As for me and my house we will serve the LORD.”
So, I ask you today, who will you serve? When we put God first and serve Him, we sometimes become unpopular with those around us. We sometimes lose friends and family members who don’t agree. So, we must make a choice. Will we please man, or will we please God.
In Revelation 2:18 we find the letter to the church in Thyatira. The Lord tells them that he knows of their works, their love, their faithfulness, service and endurance. He goes on to tell them that their last works are greater than their first. Sounds pretty good up to this point, but sadly he has this one thing against them. They tolerate the woman, Jezebel. Jezebel calls herself a prophetess but is deceiving them.
If you have ever been in the presence of a Jezebel Spirit, it is scary to watch. This spirit is usually found in one person that can take over the entire church. They draw others into their web and before you know it, people are behaving like the lost of the world right there in church. It’s a scary thing to watch.
This is why we must make a choice. We must put God first. We must turn away from anyone that encourages us to act like the lost in the name of Christianity. They are trying to deceive us. God instructs us to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind and tells us to love others as we love ourselves. When you see someone persecuting their brothers and sisters in Christ, you better step back and take a good long look.
When you go to the polls, do your best to elect Christian candidates if at all possible. Ask God for wisdom and discernment as you vote.
As you go through this crazy thing called life, also ask for wisdom and discernment. If it’s a big thorny bush, it is not going to give you sweet, juicy figs, just sayin’. If someone is encouraging you to be a stumbling block for Christians or to act in any way that is not Christ like, don’t be deceived.
The most important thing you can do today is to elect who you will serve. As for me, I choose to serve the Lord. He has never let me down and I trust that he never will. Unfortunately, I can’t say that for mankind. Humans will let you down, God never will. Seems like a no brainer to me.
Have a great weekend!