Bill’s Bestowals:

“Let Love Win!”

“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”

(James 4:17)

Dear Family of Faith,

Wow!  As I write, it is the end of October, and I’ll tell you what is far scarier than Halloween:  it is how divided our nation seems to be right now!  Hostility is rising as Election Day approaches and it appears that about half of our nation is going to be in a complete uproar in just a few days … we just don’t know which half at this point!

As a church body, I hope that you will join with me in making three commitments for the days to come:

1. BE RESPONSIBLE.  Most Americans, sadly, don’t know how fortunate they are to have the right to vote!  Voting is indeed a privilege, and we must be fully informed before we act on it.  I have observed that many Americans tend to vote on an issue (or a personality) without looking at the big picture.  Yet, have you ever bought a really nice looking used car before without looking under the hood first?!  I don’t recommend it!  It is obvious that we need to inspect the entire vehicle before purchase!  Voting is similar.  Check out each candidate’s platform.  Oh – and it is common knowledge that used car salesmen aren’t always known for their honesty.  Then have a product to sell, and will fudge a bit when necessary.  Therefore, it is always wise to get a second opinion from a reliable source who won’t benefit from the sale!   

And then, we need to actually vote!  Would you agree that it is a good thing to vote in a democracy where hundreds of thousands of people have sacrificed their lives so we can have this privilege?  If so, consider the text of James 4:17 – “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”  Let’s vote!

2. BE CIVIL.  The amount of contempt that is thrown across partisan lines is immense right now.  We live in a day when having the “correct political ideology” is actually taken as a better indicator of being a good person than having the character of Jesus Christ, or flowing with His love and joy and peace.  

But I would ask you: when is another person’s political ideology so incorrect that it’s okay for you to despise them?  The answer is “Never.” //

The Bible says we are to love everybody!  We’re to love our neighbor (Lev. 19:18, Matt. 22:30), and, if we want to be like God, we’re also to love our enemies (Matt. 5:44).  If you think that’s just not realistic or practical, consider these words of the apostle Paul: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority …” (I Tim. 2:1).  As you register those words, know that the “king” in authority at that time was a guy named Nero.  One of Nero’s claims to fame was that he had Paul executed! 

Let’s all be like Paul.  Let’s make a commitment that we will not treat anybody else with contempt until they have at least killed us 😊!  After they have done that, I suppose we can claim the right to hold them in contempt!

Let’s be people who are marked by gentleness, honesty, courage and love.  Let’s make a commitment that we are going to walk through this election and beyond with compassion and civility.

3. BE CONFIDENT.  As a nation, we have so much anxiety around this election.  People are going crazy and families are being fractured!  But we have to realize one thing:  God is not worried about November 3.  God is not worried at all, and I recommend that we put our confidence in Him!  

Here’s why:  presidents come and go.  They’ve been doing it a long time.   Administrations begin and end.  Elections get won and lost.  Political parties ebb and flow.  Governments rise and fall.  But the government of God is the one that matters, and it is ruled over by Jesus, who happens to be the “King of Kings and the Lord of Lords,” (Rev. 19:16) … and “of his government and peace, there will be no end.” (Isa. 9:7)

Let’s live with enormous peace and confidence because we follow a risen Lord who is far greater than all other leaders combined.  Feel free to check out my November 1, 2020 message online for evidence of this! 

Let’s pray.  Let’s be involved.  Let’s vote.  Let’s be civil.  Let’s live with enormous confidence.  Let’s be beacons of light where there is so much darkness going on.  Will you make the commitment with me?

Blessings!  Pastor Bill