Thursday, September 12, 2024

Listen to the Word

“…there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.”  (1 Corinthians 8:6)

Many Americans are tempted to turn a human politician into an additional Lord. The biggest threat to the cause of Christ in this election season is not that a particular candidate will win or lose. The biggest threat is that Christ’s people will pledge allegiance to someone or something other than Christ.

If you think politics is where the real action is and the best way to change the world (better than wimpy things like love or prayer or kindness or service), then you might be guilty of making an idol of politics.

If you think your political party is the great defender of truth, justice, and the American way and God’s only hope for rescuing our nation; and if you are unable to see ways the party’s platform diverges from the way of Jesus; then you might be guilty of making an idol of your party.

If you think your candidate is God’s chosen one and a hero to be followed with fanatical fervor, then you might be guilty of making an idol of your candidate.

Politics matters. But Jesus matters so much more. There is but one Lord.

Live the Word

Ask God to examine you and point out any idols, political or otherwise, that are threatening your loyalty to him. Ask him to help you turn away from those idols.