Nov 7, 2022
Election
anxiety is a growing issue. The USA Today ran this story
recently: Stressed
about the midterms? You're not alone. How to stay calm.
Here is an excerpt from the story:
"It seems to have only gotten worse, too. "Research
suggests that election anxiety increased between 2016 and 2020,"
says Marsha Brown, a licensed psychologist. "With growing fear
for the future of human rights, health care, the economy and other
life issues, it seems election anxiety may have risen again since
the previous election cycle."
If
we are honest, there is little indication that the political divide
is going to slow down, which means anxiety and fear will only
continue to increase. How are Christians supposed to navigate the
divide, and deal with the anxiety? Jesus provides this
anecdote to worry and division: Pursue The
Kingdom of God.
Here is what he teaches:
"But
seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these
things will be added to you." ~
Matthew 6:33
His point is simple, worry dissipates and
unity is realized as we allow the Kingdom of God to invade our
hearts.
Every
kingdom needs a king, a boss, a leader to follow. Who's the king of
God's Kingdom? The apostles and other New Testament writers are
consistent in declaring this one unified
message: Jesus is King!
Take for example the opening of Mark's account about Jesus:
"The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of
God." ~ Mark 1:1
Mark is telling you up front that everything he is about to write
is good news because it is declaring that Jesus is the Christ
(Christ means King), the Son of God.
Let me simplify it a bit. Christianity, is a
declaration that there is a new King and a new Kingdom...would you
like to be a part?
Here is why this is such a powerful statement. I am not a very good
king of my own life. I need King Jesus to lead me. So do you--and
so does our troubled world. Under Jesus' kingship, we are finally
free to cast off our misguided self rule--our pathetic attempt to
live life apart from God, and take up the new life offered to
us.
What is the result of making Jesus King of our lives? We learn to
reject inappropriate desires, handle wealth and it's trappings,
forgive our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, turn the
other cheek, practice open-handed generosity, care for the
downcast, and much more.
If you want to learn more about the rule and reign of King Jesus,
and the transformation it can bring to your life, make sure and
give a listen to part two of Kingdom Come.