Being locked up for quarantine, losing employment, wearing a mask, not being able to be with a loved one whose in a nursing home or hospital, the stress produced by what this next school is going to look like, and all the unknown variables before us have certainly taken their toll. Our nation has become so divided on so many fronts. Most of them stem from a subjective, instead, of an objective point of view. This subjective approach has unleased emotion and that emotion is most often displayed in anger. But the root of this problem is not found in policy, politics, or personalities—it is found in the heart of the individual.
The rapid-fire chaos in our culture has caused, for many, an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. Believers, regardless of their ideological or political views feel hopeless. The reaction is to blame “the other side” which in today’s culture is anyone who does not think the same way, on any issue, for any reason. Many forget that, as Christ followers, “we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12).
How do we wrestle with those entities? By the power of the Holy Spirit that indwells us. This is the very same power that rose Christ from the grave (Romans 8:11). Will we experience frustration, hardships, trails, tribulations, and persecution in this life? YES! Jesus said in John 15:19, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own, but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” Because we belong to Christ, the world has and will always hate those of us who proclaim Him as Savior and King.
Despite this bleak worldly reality, our hope is found in Christ. AMEN?! The Psalmist penned in Psalm 39:7, “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.” Far too often, our position is one of waiting on someone (e.g., political leaders, local government officials, pastors, educators, et al.) to fix our problems, solve our dilemmas, and provide security and peace. The problem with that position is that there is no one who is righteous. There is no one who can accomplish anything of substance for eternity’s sake. Our hope is found only in Christ and no one and nothing else.
Therefore, when the world seems to close in and feelings of persecution abound because of what we believe biblically (not ideologically or politically) and anger and frustration well up due to the circumstances of the world, with our leaders, or with the media, remember that our true hope is not found in those people or organizations. It is found in Christ and Christ alone. Peter’s words provide for us great encouragement where he penned, “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 you good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, it that should be God’s will, than for doing evil” (1 Pet 3:13-17).
Why must we live out these verses? Because the hope that we have in Christ—the gospel of salvation—is the only hope that will change lives. This is the only truth of eternal life that exists. If we fail to respond to others (even and especially those who persecute us) with the reason for the hope that we have, if we fail to make much of Jesus, if we respond like the world is responding to the circumstances that have taken center stage, then we have adulterated the gospel and made it meaningless.
Be encouraged, believers, keep your eyes on Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. Share the gospel—speak the truth in love—be prepared to give a reason for the hope that you have and say as the hymnist did, “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”
Brent Thompson
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