Political Partisanship is Dangerous

 Are you a socialist? Careful. The devil is also a socialist.

Are you a conservative? Watch out! The devil is also conservative.

Are you an idealist who wants to save the environment, who believes in a new world order. The devil also marches in your movement.

Are you a nationalist who wants to save your nation through resistance. The devil also belongs to your party.

The devil manipulates us without ceasing. He stirs up dogmatism and contention everywhere.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 

idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions… Galatians 5:19–20 NIV84

What do I see in political parties? Enmity, strife, ... discord, factionalism.

If we look too closely at the schemes of the devil in this world, we will be tempted to join in any religious or political movement. Then we become spiritually blinded so that we can no longer clearly perceive the truth of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Many years ago my father was invited to join an anti Communist association. My father had no sympathy for communism, but he refused. Why? My father did not want to define himself by what he opposed.

I firmly believe in a government which encourages business enterprise and also actively cares for poor, sick or disadvantaged people.

Some politicians favour the strong but neglect the weak. Others want to care for the weak, but discourage enterprise. 

I am looking for leadership which is fair and balanced. I am often disappointed by what I see.

When we passionately fight for an ideology, our patriotism or idealism can become a false god without our realising it.

idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions. Galatians 5:20 NIV84

We see these unfortunate tendencies everywhere, unfortunately among many devout Christians.

Where do you fix your eyes, on the schemes of the Antichrist on earth, or on Jesus?

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1–2 NIV84

We have an election coming next month in Australia. I am finding it extremely difficult to practise what I preach at this time. 

It is so difficult to pray for national leaders when you see serious faults and corruption on both sides.

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV84

Voting is a trial if you live truth, justice and mercy. I usually find I must vote for the lesser evil. That can be a difficult decision.

God is our Help in Trouble

 We are threatened on every side. We see the world around us spinning out of control. We want to understand the situation better, but who can we trust? We see fear and anger on the internet.

Many hope for protection from vaccinations and other health measures. Others fight desperately against compulsory vaccination.

 But what is often lurking in the back of our minds? Fear and anger.

But Covid is not the only problem. When we are infected by fear and anger, we often become extremely stressed.

• No wonder when we experience depression, bullying and loneliness.

• No wonder when the people around us do not think clearly or communicate lovingly.

• No wonder when friendly discussions become difficult.

• No wonder when we find ourselves in heated debates, even with good friends and our partners.

We are all in a very trying time. Most of us are insecure.

You may feel secure in your faith, and then life hits you hard.
Recently, two very good friends of mine have died.

What is happening in your family, in your church, in your job or in your circle of friends?

Illness, death, unemployment, burnout, arguments, bullying?

No one can cope with this crisis on their own.

I have been weary and emotionally drained lately.

I desperately need help from a loving almighty God.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23 ESV