Sewing Peace in Soil of Discord
Tuesday evening was nothing short of a spectacle as it was illuminating. Throughout this week I have gone back and forth on whether I comment on the presidential debate since I am so new to this community, but refraining from saying anything would proceed from a fearful heart and not one that desires our health and growth. Moreover this is an opportune time for us to practice the faith that we all confess.
Before I go any further, I would ask that you take a moment to think of someone you know who is on the other side of the political aisle, maybe a friend, co-worker, family member, or parishioner. Would you now take a minute and pray for them, not that "they would come to their senses," but pray that the Lord would encourage them by his Spirit, that he would meet them in their distress, that he would renew for them the joy of their salvation and life with God? Such prayer is for the other as much as it is for you, for in praying for those with whom you disagree, you offer to the Lord your own heart, that he might continue reshaping it to beat like the heart of Jesus.
Having begun with prayer, consider James 3:16-18: "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
Adding to 2020, we have entered the homestretch of the presidential political process and there will be infinite possibilities for you to speak and act out of selfish ambition or anger which will only promote disorder. In so doing you will simply rehearse what many saw on Tuesday evening. Rather than sew discord, seek first wisdom from above in your conversations and debates. Should we have debates and discussions on important issues, certainly so. But enter into them with this in mind: each human being has received the privilege by God himself to be made in his image, however marred it may now be.
It continues to be my prayer that the Lord will grant us unity of mind and spirit as we walk together as his people. There are near-infinite assaults made on the Church by our Enemy who is only delighted at sewing strife and discord, and dismantling the Church brick by brick. Let us hold fast to Jesus who has brought us together and not provide a foothold for the Enemy.
Grace & Peace