As the clash of the natural political kingdoms continues in my region, I begin to see clearly how the political unrest is a manifestation of spiritual unrest. As protestors gathered shouting at the other side, it appeared to be a contest of who could shout the loudest.
I listened to the rhetoric and pondered the accusations. I tried to understand why my quiet and peaceful state was suddenly filled with anger, accusations, lies, betrayals, lost time, lost money, confusion, irresponsibility, unfaithfulness and more. I know that my fellow citizens are people who care, and are giving and kind. And yet, at a time when we had an opportunity to show the nation our success, our peace, our contentment – we displayed the opposite. Intellectual discussion became impossible as emotions controlled the citizens. Our discussion became focused not on solutions, but on insults.
This is not the way of Christ and this is not the way of the Bible. Many people on the streets would say that the Bible is not relevant. They say it is not for today. As they reject the Word of God, they empower the kingdom of darkness. What was manifested was most certainly a clash of spiritual kingdoms. Those who betrayed professional oaths, embraced the kingdom of darkness. Those who lied embraced the kingdom of darkness. Those who embraced hate for their fellow citizens embraced the kingdom of darkness.
There is only one way to embrace God’s Kingdom and the Kingdom of Life and of Truth. It is to follow the Bible and Jesus. Jesus said, “If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. ” (John 7:17, NIV) There is a choice we must make first, before we can understand the spiritual outcomes of our choices. If we choose and decide to obey God, we will begin to see that the truth of God works and we will see the blessings of God in our lives.
The Bible teaches us to be generous, to be givers, and to be good stewards. The outcome of obedience is prosperity.
The Bible teaches us that we are to honor God with our bodies. The outcome of that is health.
The Bible teaches us that we are love God and love others. The outcome of that is peace.
The Bible teaches us that we are to submit to God and the authority He gives us. The outcome of that is we become carriers of authority.
It is time to search our hearts and repent of any place of darkness and turn from darkness to light. I urge us all to humble ourselves and seek God. “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV)
We must renounce the kingdom of darkness and embrace the Kingdom of God. When we choose that, we will see that every promise of God is true.
