It's That Time Again. The Spiritual Bees Are Stirred

It's election time again in the USA.  The atmospheres get very stirred up at this time because of all the political debate, people opposing one another, people attacking one another, people uncomfortable with one another, people expressing their beliefs.  There is constant focus by the media that keeps the stirring volatile. People become agitated with one another because of their political beliefs and debate.

In elections over the recent decades, I've watched and heard politicians quoting from the Bible and applying biblical concepts in correct and incorrect ways, mostly incorrect ways.   I've heard them say things that indicate they might not really be students of biblical truth, seeking on a daily basis, as a lifestyle and a belief system.  It seems they are pulling on biblical concepts to try and please voters, to win them over to their ideas, to try and let voters know that they are Christians.

• If you are a "Berean type" Christian, you can immediately see through a politician's incorrect application of a bible verse, because you study the truth and you know the truth.  
• If you are not a "Berean type" Christian, you might not see the falseness of what they are saying and you just might fall for their message.

In elections, some Christians really get into the fray, adding to the debate, stirring up the atmosphere.  That can be done rightly, or that can be done wrongly.  We must know the difference and respond appropriately as Christians.  Yes, we are citizens and Paul speaks to us about the duty of citizens.  But also, we are citizens of another kingdom, a heavenly kingdom, passing though this worldly kingdom.  So, as Christians, we must be cognizant of both kingdoms and respond appropriately in both kingdoms.  Remember, we should only be in one kingdom and not of it, and we should be both in and of the other kingdom.  In which kingdom are we operating in and of?

In the political world, they tell you that us that we must separate church and state.  Many people easily buy into that concept.  However, our beliefs are the basis for our politics.  Our beliefs are "religious" or "spiritual" whether we recognize it or not.  We cannot separate our spiritual beliefs from our political beliefs.  Thus, we must base our political beliefs on our spiritual beliefs that are truth.  We must not base our spiritual beliefs on our political beliefs.

So Christians, how are we to act in this political season of elections?

• Jesus spoke about our need to hold to His teaching, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:31-32.  Are we holding to His teachings?  Note that it is a conditional  "if, then" statement.
• Luke wrote about our need to study scriptures, "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."  Acts 17:11.  Are we examining the scriptures every day, so that we will know if what someone says is truth, or a facade? Note that it is a conditional  "if, then" statement.
• Paul says to pray for our leaders,  I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior…” 1 Timothy 2:1-3  Note that it is a conditional  "if, then" statement.

Elections are all about truth.  

• Do we know the truth such that we can easily see the untruth when it is spoken?  
• Do we know the truth so that we can vote for the right person?  Not every person is telling the truth.  
• Do what it takes to know His Truth, then listen carefully, respond appropriately, vote rightly?
• If you do those things, you will not get stung by the swarming bees.