2020- YEAR OF PERFECT VISION-PART 2

by CHARLES ROBEY
(TRUSSVILLE AL)

Enter the realm of today’s politics. Scripture is clear, precise and frank, as to our Christian position within government. The authorities are established by God (Romans 13:1), instituted by Him (Romans 13:2), God's servants (Romans 13:4,6), are an agent of wrath (Romans 13:4). Therefore, we Christians are to submit to authorities (Romans 13:1,5), pay our taxes, ouch, (Romans 13:6) and give the authorities the proper respect (Romans 13:7).

Now to the current scenario, the religious side of this all-important blog. This is the Christian side of America’s blessed freedom, a look into 2020’s perfect vision of freedom's totality

This great country of ours is based and was founded on the divine principles of Christianity. There’s just no way around this sacred philosophy. One only need read the principles of America’s founding documents to quickly realize this mindset.

The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony. It was written by the male passengers of the Mayflower, consisting of separatist Puritans, adventurers, and tradesmen. The Puritans were fleeing from religious persecution by King James of England.

“In the name of God. Amen…Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith ….. in the Presence of God." (Taken from the Mayflower Compact)

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” (Taken from The Declaration of Independence)

“We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do in the Name, and by the authority of the good people of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are and of right ought to be Free and Independent States; … with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.“ (Taken from The Constitution of the United States of America)

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” (Taken from the Word of God, I Peter 2:13-17)

So will year 2020 be for America a year of perfect vision? A perfect vision into the promises of our Creator, God? I sincerely pray that it will be, as God intended it to be.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. “(Jemaah 29:11)

However, it’s up to us, America. Someone once said “Together, we can change the world, one person at a time” To this I raise my hand shouting a big Amen.

I realize however, in recent years we have seen an uptick of cynicism among America’s electorates. Many do not now think very highly of politics in general. However, apathy and ignorance of our free political system is not a valid excuse.

As believers in the Scripture's fundamental spiritual values, we are to seek the truth, and make decisions based on biblical principles, and by all means, vote our convictions.

How then, might these principles or righteous opinions be carried out in today’s fast-moving environment? Simply put, get involved. Write to newspapers, lobby for good, attend public governmental meetings, and maybe even join a legitimate political party. A word of caution, however, don’t idealize any man-made entity. Much like many religious denominations, both are humanly constructed.

As in our introductory Scripture (John 20:20), it’s all a matter of faith (Hebrews 11:1) And without meaningful spiritual faith, it’s impossible to please our Creator, God. (Hebrews 11:6) And don’t forget to communicate with our Heavenly Father. (Psalm 27:8)

Oh, I know, sometimes, this may be hard to do so within our finite minds. What can we tell Him that He doesn’t already know? This thought can leave us spiritually winded. But God will never leave us stuck within our own human egos. (Isaiah 40:11)

Talking with and to Him will give us a renewed sense of faith in ourselves, His eternal promises, and even a renewed faith in America. The stumbling blocks now within America’s political affairs will instantly be changed into stepping stones.

In other words, don’t give up. Turn to His inspired Word. (II Timothy 3:16) It’s truly moving to know that our Creator is not yet finished with America. If we will but fix our eyes on Him (Hebrews 12:2) we will have peace that He is still in control and has all events well in hand.

Yes, human nature being what it is, we often times take the Apostle Peter’s approach, open mouth and insert foot. The temptation is to run our own lives and then ask God to bless us. Nonetheless, what God wants from us is just the opposite. (Psalm 25:1)

“If we could see the floor of God’s immediate presence, we would find it strewn with toys’ of God’s children who have said, “This is broken, I can’t play with it anymore, please give me another present." Only one in a thousand sits down in the midst of it all and says. I will watch my Father mend this.” (Oswald Chambers)

Let’s get with it, my good friends. Let’s not just sit back on our laurels. Let’s not glory in our secular successes and achievements. We need to form a plan of action, spiritually speaking. Let’s start by praising our Creator, God (Psalm 34:1-4,6) and go on from there.

Our political circumstances may not change but our perspective can surely be turned around. God will give us what we need to face adversity. We know our Redeemer lives and that He gives us the hope we need. (Job 19:25)

You see, it’s not what God has done for us in the past, nor what He has promised for us in the future. It’s simply trusting in Him in this “nasty now and now.” (Romans 8:38).

So, let’s come boldly to His throne of grace. (Hebrews 4:6) Now, are you seeing America with that all-important 20-20 vision? I surely pray you are, or will see clearly. This year, like none other before, surely needs your help. Simply call on Him.

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:16)

IN CONCLUSION
"The framers of the American Constitution combined the best political ideas of the past with innovations in what The Federalist called an improved science of politics: federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. Doing so, they created a form of government which had, in the words of James Madison, “no model on the face of the earth.”

Because men are not angels, government is necessary. Because no man stands to another as God to man, or as man to beast, government must be based on consent. The moral foundation of the Constitution is in the Declaration of Independence and its principle of equal rights. Under the Constitution, government was to be limited to protecting those rights.

In recent decades, the way our government operates has departed from the Constitution. It has become less limited, and our liberties less secure. At the same time, true civic education in America - education in the Constitution - has largely died out." (Larry P. Arnn. President. Hillsdale College.)

Please Read- 2020 Years Perfect Vision-Part 1