Category: Blog Posts (Page 56 of 91)

When I was a skinny young boy growing up in the Columbus South Side, I was often confronted with my limitations. Maybe that is why I so loved to read about my comic book heroes, like Superman, the Iron Man and Spiderman.

And there were of course my Biblical heroes: David, who killed the giant, Daniel who faced the lions, the prophets, who commanded circumstances by the spoken Word of God. These were not fictional heroes, but real people, along with others …..

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (Hebrews 11:33-34)

All of these great heroes only pointed to the ultimate deliverer of all mankind, the Lord Jesus Christ! He became the leader of an army of faithful men and women of whom it was said that they turned the world upside down! (Acts 17:6)

The troubles of our world today may seem overwhelming, and this can lead to discouragement, apathy and despair. But there is an alternative. Years ago I came up on an analogy that has helped me greatly.

All of us must admit that most things we are concerned about are things we cannot change. That is the larger circle below. But we all have opportunities to change some things. That is the smaller circle within it.

The second demonstration, however, illustrates what has been proven from all history: If one works from the smaller circle, rather than worrying about the larger one, the smaller one will grow!

It is time we all break the cycle of complaining like so many around us and begin living like our Christian heroes who have gone before! For some of us the middle circle is very small. Maybe the only thing I can change is myself! This is a great place to start. It is to obey God’s command to repent, which means to change my way of thinking! He will give the faith to obey that command if we all just submit to His wonderful Word!

My thoughts and feelings along these lines have swayed over the years. We know that as Christians the condition of our hearts toward God is of primary importance. We also know that governments and laws cannot control people’s hearts.

We should know that God has Himself established governments and that we are to be ideal citizens under His Kingdom rule where ever we live (Romans 13:1-5). In the US and in many countries a good citizen is expected to vote for people and laws he or she believes is good for society.

Years ago I was taught that society was doomed, and from that I concluded that there would be no point in trying to better things. But Paul instructed Christians to pray for the worldly leaders of his day, that believers could live quiet and peaceable lives for the glory of God. (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Later I learned from history that Christians have prayed for the leadership of their countries and have led millions into great revivals that started with actual changed hearts! From there, many positive changes were advanced in these communities.

If there is an opportunity to do good, I believe God would have us to do it. (Galatians 6:10). There are and have been opportunities to do good in the way we support good government and speak out against bad government.

Historically, Christians have both failed and succeeded in these areas. God help us to hear from you as you lead us in our call to be salt and light in this world for your glory. Help us to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves as we desire to be worthy representatives and citizens of Your Kingdom!