With such a political fervor in the air candidates have spent the last year posturing and positioning themselves for the election year. There is a lot at stake in an election year. There is much to fight over. There is much to debate. There is much to decide...and there are a lot who drop out of the race.
The reasons vary. Some drop out because of a scandal. Others drop out because the pressure is too great on the candidate's family. Some drop out because of political pressure and others stop their race because they feel like they can't win. The term that is used is "unelectable."
Perhaps this mentality has invaded churches. At pastor's conferences I hear pastors say things like, "It's worse today than it's ever been" (which is a gross overstatement) or "People just don't want to hear the truth any longer." You can hear the resignation in their voices and it is sad and discouraging. It's almost as though they are holding their press conference and with cameras clicking and TV cameras rolling they are saying, "I'm dropping out of the race. The gospel of Jesus Christ is unelectable."
The gospel may be unpopular and it may not be the belief system of the majority, but it is still the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16). I believe the good news that Jesus died, was buried and rose again for our sins is the only hope for this messed up world in which we live (1 Cor. 15:1-4)...so we must not drop out of the race. Christians can't quit.
We must stand with courageous faith and proclaim this hope for the world. I'm a young man (35 years old). I realize that I have a lot to learn. But here's one thing I do know: by God's grace, I want to finish the race. I'm not dropping out. I don't care how unpopular the message may be to others. I'm not concerned with whether or not the gospel is politically correct with its exclusive claims. I believe with all my heart it is the way, the truth and the life and hope is impossible without it.
So whether you're facing the workplace, the classroom, the grocery store or your kids today- run the race with patience. There's a lot more at stake than tax rates and social issues. Eternity hangs in the balance.
Amen! Thank you for the encouraging words. We gotta keep on keep'in on!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jesus, that you did not give up on me even at my worse. Dropping out is not an option. We all have troubles and trials we go through. The Lord is able and will deliver us. It is HIS option whether to do it before the fire, in the fire, or after the fire. Once we figure out that HE is in control, then the question becomes,"I wonder how this trial is going to benefit me or glorify God?" The older I get the more I see how God was with me step by step in every bad situation I have ever gone through. Sharing this HOPE is encouraging.
ReplyDelete