In James 1:19-20 (NIV) it says: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
You are seeing and hearing everything BUT this scripture right now, it is actually pretty sad. People are looking for someone to blame, to capitalize on the tragedy of those hurting to support their political talking points. If you think I am talking about one side, you’re mistaken, I’m talking about both sides. The Bible says Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
I know it’s easy to get upset and want to find someone to blame, especially if you’re watching cable news, that’s one reason why I rarely watch cable news anymore. Too often I would find myself upset and angry with the very people God has called us to pray for. Like the scripture says human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Prayer without love is an INEFFECTIVE prayer. As Christians, we must recognize when something is not of God and diagnose where all this anger and rage is coming from. Obviously I am not suggesting we should be happy when something horrific and evil occurs. I am specifically referring to our responses towards one another. Our struggle is not supposed to be with flesh and blood, we have a common enemy and his name is Satan, he is the one influencing individuals to do horrible things. The Bible says he comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). We should know by now that the sole purpose of these opinion shows, news networks is to plant seeds that formulate your thoughts and beliefs, they are no longer giving factual information, they are spinning and twisting news to appease their audience and reinforce what they want you to believe. I am referring to ALL the news networks, EVERY single one of them. As believers our thoughts and beliefs are supposed to be formed by the Word of God. We are not supposed to be conformed to this world, this world forms their beliefs from their political affiliation, popular culture, their race or background. They follow their favorite talk show, news journalist or politician to find out how they should think about culture issues and world events. Whether knowingly or not, their way of thinking is being formed from the views and opinions of another person. Please don’t make the mistake of thinking this doesn’t apply to you or assume that you are immune to being influenced by someone other than God. We really need to be honest with ourselves and distinguish what is God and what is something we allowed and accepted from feeding on our favorite political commentator, celebrity or whoever we like. The devil is very tricky, if you like what you hear and it agrees with your worldview, if it sounds right and it was packaged in eloquent wording, you begin to accept it as truth. A lot of times we did not even recognize that the person we’re listening to was speaking from a place of bitterness which if we accept it and agree with it, have just allowed it in us and it will affect our thinking and infect those we influence. In Hebrews 12:15 it says See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
You can identify bitterness in you when you notice resentment, hostility and ill will towards someone(s). When you sense fear, hatred, anger rising up within you towards a group of people/person-it’s not coming from the Spirit of God. The devil is making progress in dividing the body of Christ because we have allowed the politicization of everything to impact our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We have somehow become all-knowing judges pinpointing every persons motive and intent of their heart. The enemy is laughing at us because he knows he can cause more destruction in this country if he can divide those that have the authority over him. He has got our focus and energy on fighting one another over every political difference that we forgot the words Jesus said Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. As Christians our agenda is to advance the Kingdom of God, not a political agenda, no politician died for our sins. I know we are never going to be in full, 100% agreement on every single issue, doctrine and point but we can be in unity of the faith. And right now we can be united in our obedience to 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV) I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
