Who's In Charge?

Hello friends! I hope you've all had a very good week. I actually debated for a while about whether or not I should post this, but it kept nagging me, so here we are.

Okay. By now, most of you reading should know what topics I like to talk about on my blog. It's mostly biblical with some books, movies, and recipes thrown in from time to time. Occasionally I'll talk about my personal stuff, but not always. And if you've noticed, I never talk about politics. And that's true everywhere. I don't like to talk politics.

But today, we're going to talk...you guessed it! Politics.

Stop groaning. It'll be fine. I think.

This country is a mess. There. I said it. There is so much "us against them" mentality that it makes me sick. Republicans vs Democrats. Rich vs poor. White against black. Men vs women. Gay vs straight.

Americans vs Americans.

Christians vs Christians.

People vs people.

Matthew 7:12 - So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

But you know what the real struggle is?

People vs God.

Do you know why?

Satan vs people.

Because 

Satan vs God.

That's the real reason all this stuff is going on. Now, you may be saying "But some people..." "But he..." "But she..." "But they..." and on and on and on.

Stop. Wait. Think.

The originally struggle was when Satan tried to wrestle control from God because he wanted to be God. But he failed. Because he could never succeed. And he knows it. And that's why he wants all this finger pointing to go on.

Because it keeps the focus off of him.

1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

When we focus on blaming everyone else, we forget who the real enemy is. Yes. I said enemy. When we focus on the protest instead of the issues, we lose sight of what's really important.

John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and and destroy. I come so that they may have life and have it abundantly.
  It's important to care about people. Even if you disagree with them. We're supposed to pray for them. Even them. Especially them.

Matthew 5:44 - But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven...

It's important to care about inequality. We're supposed to pray for those effected by it. On both sides. Because the oppressors are just as afflicted by the enemy as those who are oppressed.

Galatians 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

It's important to care about violence. We're supposed to pray for those effected by it. Both those who are the cause of the violence and those who are victimized by it are victims of the enemy.

Hebrews 10:30 - For we know him who said "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people."

It's important to pray for those who have been elected to a government office. Even if you disagree with them. Especially if you disagree with them. Pray that God will touch their hearts and that they will follow His will. Pray that He will give them wisdom so that they will not be deceived by Satan.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 - First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

I won't say it doesn't matter who is in charge. Because it does.

In this nation, and in our lives, it matters who is in charge.

God is in charge.

But are we behaving as though that is true?

James 4:7 - Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.