Dear Friends,
Today We Have a Choice
Our Vote Did Count. How Will Our Choices Count Today?
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
There is a strange peace that comes over me every time we complete a voting period. I come face to face with how out of step I am with the world. And though it comes with frustration, I am, mostly, at peace and gratified. My desire is to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus, rather than conformed to the world or any political party.
Human-created political systems are filled with self-centeredness and error. Democratic republics are inherently messy. Conflicts are inevitable when individual thought and freedom of choice are allowed. But that freedom to choose has been God-given from the very beginning of time. Others may try to take away our ability to choose, but no one can take away what we believe, how we think, or how we choose to respond.
You and I will only be held responsible for our individual choices and responses, not those of others.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
I act justly when I give someone that which they deserve. I receive justice when I get what I deserve.
I act with mercy when I forgive or withhold from someone that which they deserve, or absorb the penalty on their behalf. I receive mercy when someone forgives me, withholds that which I deserve, or absorbs the penalty on my behalf.
Justice is receiving what we deserve. Mercy is not receiving what we deserve. And grace is receiving what we do not deserve.
And isn’t that the beautiful distinction at the heart of the Gospel? Through Jesus Christ, God extends both mercy and grace to us. We do not receive the judgment our sins deserve, and we receive the gift of salvation that we could never earn.
And to walk humbly with God requires me to be clear-headed about who I am and who God is. I must honestly understand myself in light of who God is. I must understand that I am not sovereign; He is. I am not all-knowing; He is. I must recognize that my freedom to choose, which some may call “free will,” is provided by and through God and is encompassed by His sovereignty.
When I vote, am I allowing these principles to guide my choices, decisions, and responses? If not, I may be conforming to the ways of the world rather than to the ways of God.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1
However, I am troubled by many of the results of this voting cycle. I hate that which I see as unjust and what simply does not make common sense. I shake my head and don’t understand. And man-made political parties are both guilty.
But I am not surprised. Much of the world does not know or believe in God. So their choices are not guided by His principles. Why would I expect anything else?
Dear loved ones…the sun is again rising this morning. Each of us has a choice as we enter another day. Will I represent God in my words and actions, or someone or something else? Will I express God’s fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—or will I express the spoiled fruit of another spirit?
Will that which I do and say turn others toward Christ or turn them away? It is my choice.
Today we have a choice…and we must choose.
Be well. Be at peace. God is still on His throne and very involved.
Mike
