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For His Glory

Posted by: Lisa Huddleston on November 6, 2008   Featured Article •

“Therefore … whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory. Give no offense to the Jews or the Greeks or the church of God, just as I also try to please all people in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” (1 Cor. 10:31-33)

It has been on everyone’s lips for the past year or so—change. Republicans trying to distance themselves from the current administration’s woes and Democrats holding out remedies to cure our country’s ills—both sides vowing to provide desired change. And now that the election is behind us and the outcome is known, it is the word that remains. Change has come to America and with it a variety of early reactions: jubilant celebration, gracious concession, in-your-face rejoicing, fear, whining and complaining, heartfelt prayer, and apathetic resignation. That’s just within the body of Christ. And I have to admit to running the gamut of responses within my own heart since Tuesday night.

First, I congratulate our presidential candidates for their measured and calm responses to the results. President-elect Obama and Senator McCain did their best to set good examples for the rest of us that evening. I was proud of them both and happy to hear them encouraging unity for the good of us all. The tones of both men’s speeches echoed the biblical truth that “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). No one can argue against that.

However, Calm didn’t rule my heart long as my daughter called from her college campus to let me know about a riotous celebration that required the police and fire departments to be called to the parking lot right outside her window. I was reminded of the civil unrest of my childhood, and Fear took over the place that Calm had held. Not easily ruffled, she turned her box fan on high to drown the noise and went to bed, and I decided to follow her lead. After all, what could I do to change anything? And Apathy slipped onto the throne as I faded off.

When I awoke, poured a cup of coffee, and turned on my computer, I was met by Whining and Complaining as I read emails and blogs bemoaning our nation’s future. Fear reappeared and warred with Apathy. And Self-righteousness made an ugly grab for control as I responded with Indignation to hate-filled opinions expressed by fellow believers. How could they be so ignorant? And so the morning progressed until I finally opened my Bible.

I know. I should have started there. And as I read, I was reminded Who deserves to sit on the throne that had been taking such a beating. Not Fear, not Arrogance, not Apathy, not Whining and Complaining, but Jesus. He alone is Ruler of All. And He “has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment” (2 Tim. 1:7). He commands us to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds—and all means all. No room for usurping pretenders. He alone is Lord. And then He tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Love—that is the way of Jesus. If we want to honor Him, then we have to love. Therefore, whatever we do, do everything for God’s glory. Give no offense to the Republicans or the Democrats or the church of God, just as we seek to please all people in all things, not seeking our own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Love—that is a change I can support with all my heart.

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