First Christian Church of Plainville
Bad times have a way of bringing out the best in people. As we go through this difficult time in the United States and around the world, you see story after story of people stepping up to do good and to help others. And we should. It is what we are called to do.
Tough times can also bring out the worst in some. It may be because they are hurt personally, or it could be because some-one is receiving benefits while others are denied. Or, as we see today, it could have something to do with the side of the political isle you sit on. And, unfortunately, our churches are not immune from this.
In today’s age of constant communication through social media, it has almost become commonplace to see bashing and badmouthing of our political leaders. And to think this is only done by the left, or the right, or the unchurched is just naïve.
Romans 13:1-2 states, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves.” Notice it says nothing of political parties or ideologies.
This scripture and this line of thinking is very relevant to this week’s text from Chapter 14 of The Story. Pastor Brian talked this week about the end of Solomon’s reign and the subsequent reign of his son, Rehoboam. Solomon, even though a wise man and a strong man of God, his pursuit of happiness got the best of him. If he had been a leader of today, he would be roundly criticized for his “tax happy” style of governing.
As it turned out, Rehoboam was no better. We see in 1 Kings 12 that he rejected the advice of the elders on serving the people, and instead chose the advice given by the young men he had grown up with. Rehoboam told them to tell the people, “My father laid on you a heavy yoke. I will make it even heavier.” Both Solomon and Rehoboam did what they wanted and it wreaked havoc on a nation.
Mark 3:24-25 states, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, it cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, it cannot stand.” It would behoove us to remember that God doesn’t change. He is the same today, tomorrow, and forever. His call to the church is to show love and show joy, and not to sew division.
Please scream out Psalm 100:1 every chance you get this week. You will feel better.
