* By products of politics: Hatred & Fear

(Comments by Joan Boney)

Words are like seeds that go down into our hearts and later rise up to cause us to say things or think things that are opposite to concepts of God or godliness.

During this political season in USA, I find it difficult to watch TV because of the advertisements presented by politicians.

I often mute the sound during commercials but even then they get concepts across to us by printing their words on the screen.

Hatred and fear are two primary concepts brought forth and both are contrary to the way of godliness and we need to guard against taking these struggles into our hearts.

I don't recall this happening in previous election years but the push to "vote" is everywhere.

I do not vote and I try to keep myself out of politics of men.  

To vote for a politician would be to "approve" that politician, and the apostle John tells us that if we approve a person, and that person goes in a way contrary to the doctrines of Christ, we become partaker of that man's sins.  John tells us to be careful about doing this.

II John

8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

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Concerning hatred of the other political party:  The Bible instructs us:

I Timothy 2:1-3   I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

The apostle Peter tells us to keep ourselves in a state of peace daily, constantly... without spot and blameless in the sight of God.

II Peter 3

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of HIM in peace, without spot, and blameless.

(If something causes us to hate or fear, we should take steps to avoid that thing.)

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The apostle Paul tells us to remain "unentangled" from the affairs of this life.

II Timothy 2:4  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

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As the church, our provision comes from God in all circumstances of this present life.  

We look to God for our help rather than to man.

Hebrews 13:5-6  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for HE (God) hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

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