1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:1-4
Is it possible that we give our selves a pass on the sin of gossip and slander because it involves someone we do not know and may never meet?
It is election season (and feels like it has been for years) which is open season for critique, evaluation, and the passing along of useful voter information. But the closer we get to the election, the more passionate we become. Politicians become more desperate, and our words become sharper. And yet, if we are not careful, we take the next step. Our conversation turns a corner, and we start to say things like, “yeah and did you hear….” or “but I heard he….” “He’s such a ….”. Suddenly I find myself in conversations, and joining in conversations, that sound more like gossip and slander, rather than a discussion of issues, values, or candidate voting records.
Now do not get me wrong, you have every right to voice your opinion and be vocal in your political convictions. We should expect a certain character and morality from our elected officials. But we do not have the right to sin in that passion with half-truths, and partial facts and questionable motives.
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man’s inmost parts. Proverbs 18:8
The same is true of celebrities. We get sucked in to the whole lifestyle, and propaganda, and make-believe world of stardom because it is just so delicious. If we were honest (and the reason shows about this are so popular) we would admit that it tastes so good to hear about whose life is falling apart and whose marriage is failing, and who is “winning” (while the children lose). So we take it all in, true or not, and we pass it on to others who share our appetite for the “delicious”. While we will never meet those people, behind their faces on a magazine are men and women made in the image of our loving God.
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
The scripture is a book of hard things — made possible by the Spirit of God. We are told to request things, to pray, to intercede on behalf of, to offer thanksgiving for those in authority. Is this a part of your time before God? Where in your A.C.T.S formula for praying do your leaders fit in?
President Obama, will not be your excuse for sin. Nor will the Republican you may not be able to stomach, or the Independent you may dismiss. You belong to the Kingdom of God. We are constantly praying for all celebrities, all politicians, all neighbors, all family, to realize that this Kingdom is available and it is FOR us all!
This is simply an observation, and a warning to myself (and maybe others)….guard you heart, God is in full control, so keep praying!
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