THANK YOU, LORD, FOR THE USA
The day after the elections, my husband and I had the privilege of visiting our nation’s capital—the infamous Pennsylvania Avenue to be exact. I stood on my tiptoes, bobbing my head around the crowds of people, to catch a glimpse of the President-elect, Donald Trump as his motorcade made its way around the corner. An angry mob of college students holding signs chanted, “Love TRUMPS hate!” Another group hollered, “You build a wall. We tear it down!”
A barricade, several police officers and Secret Service holding automatic rifles blocked the public from crossing the street in either direction. The throng of people pressed in tighter, lifting their phones overhead to snap pictures while the black SUV slowly made its turn. Even through the tinted bulletproof glass, Trump’s golden hair was visible. And then, he was gone.
People dispersed in different directions like carpenter ants. Many were tourists, like us, who headed toward the White House. The protesters continued circling the block, their angry chants heard from afar. Golden and burnt orange leaves crunched underfoot as we made our way down the crowded sidewalk, stopping to snap a few pictures of the Washington Monument in the distance.
We were supposed to go inside and tour the White House. But sadly, we were denied. I wasn’t certain that anyone would be touring given the aura of angst and dissension that rumbled throughout the city. But one thing was certain: our nation was divided.
A recent poll by CNN states more than 8-in-10 Americans say the country is more deeply divided on major issues.This is of great concern for me. In the words of Jesus Christ, ““A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse.” (Mark3:25)
In Washington D.C. (District of Columbia), Hillary Clinton took in 90% of the votes. Reports show that Clinton won the national popular vote by more than 1.5 million votes (and still counting). But this doesn’t change a thing as far as the Electoral College goes. Trump holds an insurmountable lead in swing states, which turned his popular defeat into a sizable electoral victory. Donald Trump, popular or not, is set to be our next president.
Despite these dismal reports, I believe our nation’s division gives Christians a unique opportunity and better yet, responsibility. The people of the United States are looking for hope. And hope will not be found in Trump or Clinton or any human being. Hope is found in Christ alone.
NOW THAT THE ELECTION IS OVER, WHAT SHOULD CHRISTIANS DO?
PRAY
Whether or not the candidate you voted for won, we have a responsibility to pray for our elected officials.
Franklin Graham posted the following on his Facebook page: “I pray that President-elect Trump will surround himself with godly men and women to help advise and counsel him as he leads the nation.”
Have you prayed for president-elect Trump? What about your governor or school board leaders?
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”
1 Timothy 2:1-4
LOOK WITHIN
It’s easy to focus on the flaws and sins of those in the public eye like politicians. But God’s word instructs us to look within at our own sins.
“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?”
Matthew 7:3
Walking through our nation’s capitol and viewing the awe-inspiring monuments, struck a chord with me. God was everywhere. Almost every monument mentioned His name—several times even. Our founding fathers held fast to a biblical worldview, and yet here in the heart of the nation, despite the inscriptions of the monuments, where was God? It made me question if God shows through the way I live my own life. The Holy Spirit has prompted me to: Look within. Repent. Start being about the Father’s business.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
Psalm 139:23-24
As Christians, if we find ourselves disturbed at the moral decline in our nation, we must look no further than the mirror.
As Christians, if we find ourselves disturbed at the moral decline in our nation, we must look no further than the mirror. pic.twitter.com/JMyRkURNAD
— Beckie Lindsey (@BeckieLindsey_) November 29, 2016
The moral decline did not happen overnight. It happened right under the nose of the church in a million small ways. And it will take lots of hard work and sacrifice to turn things right. But it’s not too late for the church to claim back this nation for God!
What does it look like to turn the hearts of the citizens of the United States toward God?
L O V E
What drew you to God?
L O V E
TAKE A STAND
I know it’s not easy to stand for what you believe when it’s not viewed as politically correct. Many Christians are afraid of being labeled “intolerant.” Dear brothers and sisters, we have been quiet and complacent long enough. It is a sin to know what’s right and yet stay silent. Biblically speaking, there are sins of omission just as there are sins of commission. What we don’t do is equally important to what we do in fact do.
What we don’t do is equally important to what we do in fact do.https://t.co/GrNytKnxGZ
— Beckie Lindsey (@BeckieLindsey_) November 29, 2016
Take a look at this quote from Franklin Graham:
““We as Christians, we have been told we’ve got to be quiet,” Franklin said at the North Carolina State Capitol in October. “We don’t want to upset people. We don’t want to turn anybody off. We want to be loving. We want to be caring. And of course we want to be loving, and of course, we want to be caring. But they accuse us of being intolerant if we speak up.
“Well, we don’t want to be accused of being intolerant. So, we want to be nice. Christlike. But I remember Christ one time taking a whip and chasing those money-changers out of the temple (John 2:15). I remember Jesus one time telling those Pharisees, ‘You’re a bunch a whitewashed tombs’ (Matthew 23:27).
“There are times that we need to stand up and speak out.”
Jesus spoke the truth in love and so must we. Notice I said must, not should. We will be courageous like Christ when we speak up for Christ and His word. We can still love someone even if we don’t agree with how they are living their lives. In fact, it’s more loving to point someone who is walking in the darkness of sin to the light of love and forgiveness that only comes through Jesus. Turning a blind eye not only shows a lack of faith and courage but is an accessory to the sin.
So as we look ahead to January when Donald Trump takes the most power position in the world, I urge you, dear friends: Pray. Look within. And take a stand.
Are you with me?
This post is linked to #LMMLinkup: http://maryanderingcreatively.com/lmmlinkup-motivation-and-inspiration/
And The Loft: https://jerralea.blogspot.com/2016/11/wrapping-up-month-of-thankfulness-at.html
Created with Joy: http://www.create-with-joy.com/2016/12/friendship-friday-blog-party-social-media-boost-253.html
Thanks, Beckie. Lately, I have been thinking of the verse from Ephesians 5 that says Awake, O Sleeper referring to it being time for us, the Church, to take a stand and walk as Children of the Light in goodness, righteousness, and truth. If we do, we can make a difference.
Patty, I love that verse. Thanks for sharing it. It pairs perfectly with this post. God’s word is so amazing like that!
Blessings!
Good read, Beckie. As a believer in the faith, there’s a mandate to follow the ways of Christ’s teachings. Thanks for sharing. God bless.
Shira, So true!
Beckie, I am with you all the way!!!
I think many Christians have been afraid to speak up because the atmosphere of political correctness has cowed them. I do hope and pray that era is coming to an end. We do need to love one another, try to heal this country’s divide, and stand up for our beliefs.
Blessings!
Thanks, Martha! Jesus tells us, ““I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.'” Matthew 18:19
So true. I am convinced that the most powerful thing we can do is to pray. If we as Christians prayed as much as we complained, the world would be turned upside down.
Karen, I agree. More prayer and more love! Thanks for taking the time to share.
Good words, Beckie! I believe especially we need to be praying as the new administration makes choices on who surrounds the president. There is wisdom in a multitude of counselors. May God guide each and every one the President chooses.
In spite of the divisiveness currently, I am so thankful for our country!
Thanks for sharing at The Loft today.
Jerralea, I stand in agreement with you in prayer. Thanks, dear sister-in-the-Lord!
I’m with you! I just don’t know how taking a stand looks practically in my day to day life. Suggestions? I understand prayer and looking within!
Thanks for your question, Heather. What I mean by “taking a stand” is standing on the truth of God’s word—even when it’s not popular or viewed as politically correct. I don’t believe saying, “We shouldn’t talk about religion and politics” has served the church. I see many Christians shrinking away from speaking the truth out of fear of being labeled unloving or intolerant, myself included. I’m not saying to instigate arguments. I’m saying to not shy away from standing up for what is “Biblically correct.” We must do this with discernment, gentleness, grace, and most of all love. (1 Peter 3:15)
Hope this answers your question. Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks!
Yes, I think so. I had the opportunity to do it this morning in prayer group when people were acting like being unhappy with the new presidency was like not being a good Christian. I told them how strong Christians can be concerned about the way the poor, minorities, immigrants, and other disenfranchised can feel after talk during the presidential race, how we need to show love to all people.
Good for you. It’s tough and a bit scary to have some of these conversations. But God gives us His Spirit if we will just let Him guide us.
Thanks! The hard part is listening to His Spirit about discernment for when to speak up and when to stay silent–like is Facebook or my blog the best place or face-to-face? I think it depends on what I need to talk about, and that’s not always an easy decision. Great challenge, though!
I know what you mean, Heather. I prefer face-to-face or private message on difficult subjects. We must walk closely with the Lord to discern His voice. But even then, it’s tough. I am very prayerful about what He calls me to write. I’m sure you are as well. Keep shining, dear sister!
Yes, definitely prayerful! I ask for advice from wise people around me, too, when I’m not sure what I should or shouldn’t write. You too!
Nuff said. I’m in. As Dr. Jim Denison said, “Do those who know you know Jesus because of you?”
Deborah, Amen!
Thanks for your comment. God bless and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Amen! Thanks for linking up with Literacy Musing Mondays.
Brandi,
Thanks for stopping by Spotlight. God bless you and yours.
I appreciate the action steps you offered. When we see someone headed on the wrong path, I believe we can take those steps–pray and look inwardly. God will help us to know whether to say something or to love them through the process of them discovering the truth. I wish I could have been there with you as you stood on Pennsylvania Avenue!