Recently, Pastor Nick and I attended an event called Civic Revival. The emphasis of the conference was to Apply God’s Word to God’s World. It is an understandable concept we can easily support; the challenge comes in doing so accurately.
First, we need to understand the Bible. At Emmaus, we recognize the Bible as the foundation for our life. However, in applying God’s Word to our lives it is tempting to apply the promises of scripture and leave out the judgment. For example, you may have heard Jeremiah 29:11 quoted, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” That is a great promise, but it is God’s encouragement after verse 29:4 which says, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.”
Or how about John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Following that well-known verse is 3:19-20 which says, “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.”
It is tempting to hold the promises and ignore the warnings, but we need all of God’s Word.
Second, we need to understand the world. Understanding our world means understanding people. It means asking people why a specific topic is important to them. It means seeing them as individuals that Jesus made and died for rather than as a political agenda. We must promote biblical values as we care about people, and biblical values can be found in both political parties. The value of life and compassion for immigrants are both biblical. Social justice and criminal accountability are both scriptural.
Are we able to recognize the person beyond their perspective? Can we see the positives in an opponent’s point of view and admit our weaknesses? Are we able to show grace and compassion to people who don’t share our values? Our primary goal must not be to win arguments or elections.
Our primary goal must be to reflect Christ. Our witness is more important than a victory because our witness reflects on how people see Jesus.
If we are going to have a civic revival, it must come from the real source of power. Revival comes from transformed lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God corrects us, judges us, and then encourages us with what Jesus has done for us. Our victory was purchased on the cross. So, let us live confident in who we are in Christ, assertive when it comes to biblical values, and winsome in our attitude towards everyone we meet.
“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” 1 Peter 3:13-16
Join us for a prayer time every first Wednesday of the month leading up to the 2024 election at 6:30p as we pray for our city, state, and country.
– Pr Kevin Olson