How Do You Read It?

I am at times asked how I feel and think about an issue or a written article in a journal by my family, coworkers or friends. But what is funny is that it seems that my stated opinions, when given, are not often well received by certain comments made. It appears to me that the people were expecting me to either agree or disagree with the article or their understanding of it or the issues on hands. Why would you think people be asking for someone's opinion if they will not respect it? Have you ever experienced situations like that?

The 2008 presidential election in the United States had been cause for great debates. Whenever time permitted it had been fun to listen to the explanations of many people I know on the various issues that were presented to the various elected officials. Many of my Christian friends decided that they will not vote for lack of a better choice. My remark to them was that by not voting they were allowing someone else to vote for them when whoever is elected gets elected. Moreover, you will need to pray for that person as God commands so why not vote for the least evil (Romans 13:1; 1 Timothy 1:1-4). Smile! Only when God's kingdom is fully established on this earth will we have the perfect ruler in charge.

How should we understand that when the righteous are in authority the people rejoice and how important it is to have wise counselors around (Proverbs 29:2; 24:6)? In my opinion that statement from the Word of God means that God wanted his people to take a stand for what they know is right and elect righteous people who would be able to demonstrate good judgments in accordance with the Word of God. It also means to me that the involvement of righteous Christians in politics will help in establishing the right order in the land by enacting laws in agreement with the Word of God that will defeat the works of the enemy. It implies that all who are children of God are called to be involved and engaged in the affairs of this world because we are to promote the kingdom of God by revealing his authority and manifesting kingdom principles on this earth where he placed us.

There is a statement in the bible by Jesus that I like very much. It is found in the parable of the Good Samaritan in John 10 verses 25 to 26. Let's read it together. “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. Teacher, he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answer was, “What is written in the law?” He replied. How do you read it?” As you can see, Jesus asked the law expert how he read the Word of God. Is there a possibility that we can imply meaning to the Word of God not expressed by Father? Do you ever wonder how you read it? Do you ever imagine Jesus asking you how you read his Word? Do you agree with what God says when you read his Word, or do you find excuses to deny what God says because you don't agree with what you read, don't understand what you read, and want to do what you want?

As human beings we put our emotions, our past experiences and our mindsets in the ways we deal with life situations presented at us, handle people or how we see what we want to be accomplished. In those times, do we think about what God says and do we think about how what we do will be pleasing to him? Do we try to please him to the best of our ability, or do we try to please our friends, our family or ourselves? Do we trust his Word?

Whether it is how we read an article, perceive someone's answer to us, or how we read someone's attitude in a certain situation, we must remember that it is all a matter of doing things for the glory of God. We belong to Christ when we accept him in our lives. When we accept him in our lives, we are in him and he is in us living his life through us. As we understand seriously our calling of being a witness to this world of the love of God for us all, we will always beware of him and his ways in what we do, think, or say because we are created for his glory. We will learn to put every thoughts captive to the obedience of the Word of God so we can always please him. We will learn to do things and act as Jesus would.

Let all children of the Most High God wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to God's ways and will so that his kingdom can be manifested mightily on earth as it is in heavens while we are all waiting for the return of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Amen!

Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it! (Luke 11:28)

Marie Monaus 29 Oct '08