Political Posts

I have recently read numerous posts where  people state that there are only such & such  # of days left to endure until the next election. Before the current administration took over there were posts about the prior administration, stating the same type of things. Some people are simply voicing an  opinion but others  lash out using  vicious language.  Probably  it depends on the personalities involved and the way they communicate in general.

I do believe that everyone has the right to voice their opinions and that free speech doesn’t mean it’s free only if others aren’t  offended or made uncomfortable. While we do have the ability to control what we post none of us have the ability to control the response given. The responses  may be thoughtful and kind or they may be strong and confrontational there’s no way of knowing . 

Personally I like conversation  and enjoy discussion where there is a respectable exchange  of thoughts and ideas.  But if the conversation is one sided,  where  the other person  interrupts and monopolizes what is being talked about, if they feel that no matter what, they are right, (whether they are or aren’t)  leaving no room for discussion I get frustrated and lose interest right away.   Also and more importantly if  a person expresses their views in anger, loudly or in any way aggressive the conversation, for me, is over.  I  stop listening and can only think about getting away from them because of the way they are talking.    

Of course it’s different on line.  On line I can read the post or not. I can quickly scan over it and move on if I want.  If it’s someone I know and it appears they are not doing well I stop for a moment and pray.  If it’s something I think I can do to help I pray then message them privately  and offer help.

More recently though, many posts have not only been  political but mean and hateful, even ones  posted by those that say they are Christian. I find myself  wondering if the person posting them  believes in God and if so do they believe that he is in control?  Do they read their bible and if they do have they ever considered the verses that tell us that he sets the rulers over us. Have they ever read that we are to obey the rulers over us and to pray for them.  Maybe they just don’t know what the bible says.  Maybe they aren’t saved.  Maybe they are simply upset for the moment and just venting.  

I know it can be very difficult when a person feels things they don’t agree with are being decided for them.  I know it’s difficult when decisions are being made that they feel are wrong, unfair and unjust.   It can be especially  fearful to have someone or many some ones making decisions about their lives and future . 

I am human so of course there are times that I have similar feelings of fear, or strong opinions about something someones posted. I don’t normally respond at all but if I do it’s not with a mean comment for all to see.  I’m not better than those that do it’s just simply not my personality to do so. I take it in, mull it over and pray about it.

In prayer I am reminded that I am   to  trust God  even if I don’t  understand and he will guide me. It can be hard so I also ask him to help me trust him deeper.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways  acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 kjv

Now back to what started me thinking about all this and what  God’s word tells  us to do regarding those that are in authority over us. 

#1   “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with you, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”                      Hebrews 13:17 kjv 

#2 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”                                                                                                                Romans 13:1-2 kjv

#3 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; …”              1 Timothy 2: 1-3 kjv

When reading these verses I don’t see where God is giving us a choice or negotiating with us about what he says to do when dealing with those that he has placed in power over us. Neither do I see where he says to do these things only if or when we personally approve of the choices that are being made by those that he has placed over us. So unless those in power tell me to do something that is in direct disobedience to Gods word [like King Nebuchadnezzar  did you can read all about it in the book of  Daniel-it’s great reading] I know what God clearly tells me to do.  I am to obey, I am to submit,  I am not to resist, I am to pray according to God’s word, I am to give thanks in (not for but in) all things. My obedience  to the authority God has placed over me has nothing to do with me liking or supporting them and their agenda. I will do so because it is what God tells me to do. His word tells me that to do so is good and acceptable in his sight. That is all that matters to me.