Through the Bible - Psalms 134-137, 1 Corinthians 10:1-22
Good morning,
In these weeks surrounding the national conventions we will see a lot of political positioning and boasting.
Today's verse comes from Romans chapter 12 which has to do with our behaviour as Christians.
The advice given to Christians would be good standards to apply to politicians as well.
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. NKJV
What we see and hear a lot today is people who do set their minds on "high things" and consider themselves to be very "wise" in their own opinions.
As we saw in Monday's passage, true leaders are to look upon themselves more as servants. Considering and seeking the advise of others.
You've heard the term "partisan politics", not willing to reach beyond party lines.
Regarding verse 16, John MacArthur comments that having the same mind toward one another means to be impartial and that Christians are not to have conceit or feelings of superiority toward fellow believers.
Read the passage below and consider it as you listen to the various political speeches that will be given over the next few weeks.
We could use a lot more of the "impartiallity" in the church and in politics.
Consider who is looking to serve and who is looking to promote their own opinions of "high things".
In Christ,
Mike
Rom 12:9-13:1
Behave Like a Christian
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 Therefore
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
NKJV
Rom 12:9-13:1
Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.
Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
(from THE MESSAGE:
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