It is time for us to pray!

Don’t fall in love with this corrupt world or worship the things it can offer. Those who love its corrupt ways don’t have the Father’s love living within them. All the things the world can offer to you—the allure of pleasure, the passion to have things, and the pompous sense of superiority—do not come from the Father. These are the rotten fruits of this world.  (1 John 2:15-16 VOICE)

There are all kinds of reasons why we are enticed to move toward certain behaviors or attitudes which are pervasive in our culture today, but none quite so strong as that of fulfilling some pleasure, gaining some possession, or thinking we have been able to "one up" someone else. It seems to be at the center of much of what was said by one "side", shown, and/or spoken about in this past political campaign season. Now, in the wake of the aftermath of what has been called the "ugliest" of campaigns in history, the fall-out of evil is pervasive everywhere we look. 

I watched the news last night only to realize we have elementary aged children, not even past the age of eight, telling each other in rather hateful ways that they are about to get deported because their family is of "a different" culture or race. School classrooms are emptied as high school students take to the streets to protest the results of the election. Major roadways are being blocked while other protesters take a stand against what they call a "bogus and corrupt" election. Social media continues to be abuzz with all manner of criticism of others because they stood for one candidate or another. I thought I had seen just about as much protesting and violence as I might have seen in my lifetime, being a child who grew up during the 60's and 70's when the draft was resisted, women's rights were sought with such passion, and our country's involvement in wars they didn't think needed to be fought were at the height of all our thoughts and attention. 

It is time for us to remember one very important thing - "It is important that all of us submit to the authorities who have charge over us because God establishes all authority in heaven and on the earth. Therefore, a person who rebels against authority rebels against the order He established, and people like that can expect to face certain judgment. You see, if you do the right thing, you have nothing to be worried about from the rulers; but if you do what you know is wrong, the rulers will make sure you pay a price. Would you not rather live with a clear conscience than always have to be looking over your shoulder? Then keep doing what you know to be good and right, and they will publicly honor you." (Romans 13:1-3) One of the most important things we must keep in mind: "The king’s heart is like a channel of water directed by the Eternal: He chooses which way He bends it." (Proverbs 21:1)  While it may not look like God is in control, for those who have placed their trust in him, we must never lose sight of the tremendous amount of care he takes to ensure we are always in his hands and at the center of his care.

We cannot pit ourselves one against another - this is just not right - it neither honors God, nor does it value each other. We cannot move toward evil, but rather must rise up in right-living, manifesting our trust in a higher power. We must not tear down the beliefs of one to escalate the beliefs of another. God's desire is for us to come humbly before him, pray for our leaders, and trust him with the outcome. It may just prove true that if we will bind together in peaceful submission to his guidance and care that we will find our greatest strength as a nation. The truth is that things will never be as we want them to be as long as evil is present on this earth. We can only do what we know is right, respond in love toward one another, and trust God with the rest. Just sayin!